Library operations update – March 16, 2020
At Rideau Lakes Public Library we value access to information and community safety. As CEO/Chief Librarian I want to let all of our members know that we are being pro-active in our approach to Covid-19.
For this reason, all of our branches will be closed March 17th until April 6th. This temporary closure was not a decision the Board and I made lightly; we know that many of you in our community value the library not only as a source for information and recreation but as a place to connect with neighbours. We are all doing our part to keep our community safe in trying to limit the short and long-term impacts of the Covid-19 virus.
Please note that during this time:
- dropboxes are available for returning items
- any outstanding or overdue items will be renewed
- any fines on DVDs will be forgiven
- Wifi continues to be available outside of all branches
You are able to check out eBooks, eAudiobooks, music and more with our fantastic e-collections : Overdrive/Libby, Hoopla & Flipster Contact us at info@rlpl.ca if you are having difficulty logging in or can’t access your PIN.
We are exploring a volunteer program for delivery of materials to members who are housebound. Please contact me vicki@rlpl.ca for details.
We will continue to look to public health officials and our municipal partners to assess the changing situation. We will let you know of any further changes through http://www.rlpl.ca, our newsletter, and social media sites.
One of the best tools in our fight against viral pandemics is awareness and accurate information so we have included trusted sources of information on this page. Working together we can help to ensure that COVID-19 does not lead to unnecessary fear or division in our community. RLPL’s priority is to help keep the public and our staff safe, healthy and informed.
Vicki Stevenson, CEO vicki@rlpl.ca (613) 359-5334
Information on Covid-19
What is Covid-19?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. They can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV). Some transmit easily from person to person while others do not. COVID-19 is a new disease that has not been previously identified in humans.
China determined that a novel coronavirus (referred to as COVID-19) is responsible for the outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan. Authorities in China and worldwide are conducting further investigations to better understand where the disease came from, how it is spread and the clinical severity of illness in humans.
Source: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Daily Updates
The main Ontario government webpage on COVID-19, including updates on the current situation and current affected areas.
Informational Resources
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Awareness resourcesFactsheets and infographics, Government of Canada
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Guidance documentsFor communities, schools and daycares, and health professionals. Government of Canada.
- Community-based measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in CanadaGovernment of Canada.
- What We Know So Far About… Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)Public Health Ontario.
- Information sheet (available in multiple languages)The Ministry of Health has developed an information sheet about the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to inform Ontarians about the virus, how they can protect themselves and what to do if they think they have contracted the 2019 novel coronavirus. The information sheet is available in multiple languages.
- Guidance for the Health SectorMinistry of Health, Ontario government.
- Ontario Government NewsroomKeyword search: COVID-19, coronavirus
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Frequently asked questions (FAQ)Government of Canada.
- Coronavirus Infections
MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the publicWorld Health Organization.
- John Hopkins Corona Virus Resource Center
Tracks cases globally.