Virtual Information Center open | eBranch expands to meet demand

PUBLIC LIBRARY (COVID-19 Response): Chris Rice 

CINCINNATI, OH – E-resources and digital offerings have been expanded while the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County remains closed to the public in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

“The safety of our staff and community members is our top priority.,” said Paula Brehm-Heeger, the Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director of the Library. “We are remaining closed per the governor’s recommendation that people stay home unless it’s absolutely necessary to leave the house.” 

Public Libray of Cincinnati & Hamilton County “Next Generation Technology”(Provided) 

Library leadership will continue to reassess the closure on a regular basis. In addition, the Board of Trustees meeting scheduled for April 14 has been cancelled. While our doors are closed to the public, administration and managers are still working to ensure business continuity.

The Library is offering the following resources to assist customers during this time:
• The Virtual Information Center (VIC) will continue to serve as the remote access point for Library customers’ questions. The department is staffed Mondays through Saturdays 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and is available via email, live chat on our homepage, or by phone at (513) 369-5005.
• The Library’s eBranch has expanded to include access to more eBooks, audiobooks, music, movies, magazines, newspapers, and research databases.
• The Library’s digital offerings now include frequently-updated COVID-19 resource pages as well as timely blog updates and new virtual storytime and STEM videos from our library staff members.

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“Traffic to our eBooks and eAudiobooks on Overdrive has soared nearly 40% in the past seven days,” said Brehm-Heeger. “We’ve redirected more of our resources towards digital content to make sure even more titles are available for our customers during this time.”

Ohio residents have the option to sign up for a free Library card online (click the Downloadable Only Card option), so they can begin using the Library’s eBranch as soon as they receive their confirmation email.

For updates about Library services and responses during this time, visit CincinnatiLibrary.org/COVID19