All Scenic Regional Library branches will suspend all outreach, programming, events, and public meeting room use, effective Saturday, March 14, as a precaution to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

 The library’s administration hopes to resume programming and outreach on April 1, pending further evaluation of the situation.

Branches will remain open to offer access to books, audiovisual materials, public computers, wi-fi, helpful staff and a variety of other resources.

St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis County Library and St. Charles City-County Library, and several other libraries across the state, announced similar actions on March 12.

Scenic Regional Library’s bookmobile service; branch outreach to preschools, elementary schools and daycares; adult outreach to nursing homes, assisted living centers and senior citizen centers; storytimes; children’s and adult programs will be canceled during the time period between March 14 and March 31.

The library’s books-by-mail service to homebound individuals will also be suspended.

Library staff will be contacting groups that have reserved the library’s meeting rooms and individuals who have registered for programs to notify them of the cancellations.

The library will not be accepting book donations during the reduction of services.

Approximately half of the public computers at the branches will be shut down to provide additional space between people using the computers, something the CDC refers to as "social distancing."

The library will also begin heightened cleaning procedures, including wiping down returned materials, computer keyboards and mice, toys in the children’s areas and counters at the service desks, regularly with disinfectant wipes.  

Library staff has been instructed to stay home if they have a fever or other flu-like symptoms.

The library has also posted signage asking patrons who have a fever or other flu-like symptoms within the past 48 hours not to visit the library.