As part of the Rock Island Public Library’s commitment to work within health guidelines and help prevent or mitigate the spread of COVID-19, all Rock Island Public Library locations will be closed to the public from 8:00 pm today, Monday, March 16 through Saturday, April 4. At the present time, the library plans to reopen to the public on Monday, April 6. This announcement includes routes for our Mobile Library2Go, which will be suspended until the time being.

Library book drops at the Downtown and Southwest locations will also close for the duration. Please do not return your items to any library. As part of this process, due dates for all library materials have been automatically extended until April 7, 2020. No late fees will be accrued during the closure.

Library cards that are expiring in March will be automatically extended through April 30, 2020 so patrons can continue to use the library’s digital content and online learning services.Residents who do not have a card may apply for an eCard during the closure so that they use digital services. To apply for an RIPL eCard, you must live in the Rock Island Public Library service area and be 18 years of age or older. The online application is available on the library website under Get a Card.

System-wide delivery has been suspended as of the close of business on March 16. Because there is no delivery of library materials, all items placed on hold will be suspended until services begin again.

How to use your library even when it’s closed

The Rock Island Library continues to offer digital services through OverDrive, eRead Illinois, Hoopla digital, Kanopy, RB Digital magazines, and the New York Times online. Many of our digital services are offering extended use during this time of need. For example, Kanopy has opened up unlimited access to a collection of films that can be viewed without using monthly credits. The Kanopy Kids collection is also available for unlimited use for 30 days. As a resident in the area served by RAILS, Rock Island Public Library patrons may also use the RAILS BiblioBoard Library. Library digital offerings can be accessed through the library website.

For parents who want to support learning while children are at home, the Rock Island Library offers World Book Online encyclopedias, Brainfuse HelpNow online tutoring/skill building resources, and Scholastic BookFlix. As a public service, Scholastic has also opened up access to Scholastic Learn at Home, which offers daily learning journeys for four grade spans—Pre-K–K, Grades 1–2, Grades 3–5, and Grades 6–9. 

"This decision was reached after careful evaluation. A variety of factors prompted the service change including the declaration of a national emergency, the latest health information available and the safety of the community. We would rather close for the greater good. These difficult decisions were reached with the most reputable information resources available, and in the interest of the health of our community, staff and patrons.Though we have taken several steps in the past week to mitigate exposure, the closing of schools, casinos, restaurants and other gathering spots are clear signals that closing for a short time is a prudent step," said Library Director Angela Campbell.

Patrons with questions about prevention may see the library’s website page, Coronavirus and your library.

For more updates, visit the library’s Facebook page and website.