The Park Ridge Public Library will close to the public effective at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 13. The Library will plan to reopen the morning of April 8 at 9 a.m. 

This follows the Library’s decision to cancel all public programs and events for the month, an announcement which was made the afternoon of March 12. These safety measures are being taken out of an abundance of caution, not due to any known exposure to COVID-19. 

During this time, the Library will not be accepting physical materials for return. The Library’s exterior drop boxes will be closed until further notice. Any overdue fines will be waived through May 1. Patrons are encouraged to visit the Library’s website at www.parkridgelibrary.org for the latest updates on the closing and to access downloadable materials and databases.

Ongoing news of additional Illinois cases of COVID-19, recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the declaration of a global pandemic from the World Health Organization (WHO), were the basis for the Park Ridge Public Library’s decision to close.

“This decision is based on several factors, but first and foremost we want to support our public health officials and keep our community members safe,” said Library Director Heidi Smith. 

Park Ridge is one of several area libraries closing its doors in the wake of the developing health crisis. Library officials are following proactive examples of other institutions around the nation.

Health experts have advocated for social distancing — isolating people and canceling gatherings — as a helpful solution to avoid the rapid spread of this infectious disease. Slowing the rate of infection will help “flatten the curve” of new COVID-19 cases and keep the healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed.

Those seeking the latest on coronavirus can find links to WHO, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health and Cook County Health Department and more on the library’s website, www.parkridgelibrary.org.

Please stay connected with us! Click here for contact information for specific departments within the Library.