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Live Oak Public Libraries

Public Health Information

Updates

Click here for links to Ready Resources to assist in this challenging time.

Updated April 1, 2020; Posted March 30, 2020

As public health concerns related to COVID-19 continue to advance, Live Oak Public Libraries will remain closed until April 27, 2020.

Although our buildings are not open, the community can still get support and expanded services through virtual library resources.

Patron Accounts

  • While libraries are closed, you can apply online for a free library account to get digital access to online resources.
  • Library cards that have expired since January 1, 2020 or are due to expire during the closure have been renewed until April 30, 2020 May 31, 2020.
  • Please continue to keep your checked-out materials at home until the library reopens. It is not necessary to come to the library. Bookdrops are closed.
  • Overdue fines are waived until the library reopens.
  • All materials currently checked-out are automatically renewed.
  • All holds and interlibrary loans are extended until the library reopens.

Digital Access

  • Stream or download eLibrary digital resources for free with your library card.  E-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, newspapers, movies, and TV are available anytime from any device at liveoakpl.org/elibrary.
  • Enjoy a wider selection of e-books and audiobooks from new vendors as well as 1,100 additional titles on hoopla.
  • The eLibrary also has genealogy and history links for research and reference. Full access to Ancestry.com is available with your library card until April 30, 2020.
  • Several recently added e-resources are available for free even without a library card.
  • Explore accessible resources through GLASS (Georgia Libraries for Accessible Statewide Services) with digital content via the BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) app. Follow the link or call 1-800-248-6701 for assistance.

Student Success

Community Connections

Live Oak Public Libraries is in contact with community partners as we monitor ongoing developments. Essential library staff are working to ensure continuity of operations. We will communicate any changes in our plans as we continue to evaluate decisions.

In this uncertain time, our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this crisis. Live Oak Public Libraries remains dedicated to the communities we serve. We appreciate the individuals, organizations, and institutions that are working hard to overcome this challenge.

Posted March 17, 2020

The public health situation surrounding the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak is rapidly developing. Live Oak Public Libraries is taking further precautions to help limit the spread of the disease and to ensure the safety of customers and staff during this pandemic.

  • All Live Oak Public Libraries will be closed March 18, 2020 until April 1, 2020.

During this time, the Library will provide the following support:

  • Overdue fines are waived and all materials currently checked out are automatically renewed.
    Feel free to keep your materials; it is not necessary to come to the library. Bookdrops are closed.
  • All holds and interlibrary loans will be extended until we reopen.
  • Digital resources are always available online for free.  E-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, newspapers, movies, TV, and more are accessible from any device at liveoakpl.org/elibrary.
  • Online services are expanded to include more offerings on RBdigital and increased checkouts on hoopla.
  • Resources for student success in all grade levels and higher education are available at liveoakpl.org/studentsuccess.
  • All Savannah-Chatham County Public School System students have free access to all e-resources for early literacy, homework help, study tools, and more using their Student PASS.
  • Essential administrative staff will be working remotely to ensure continuity of operations.
  • You can still contact the library with questions via the Contact Us page on our website.

The library system remains a strong community partner.  This decision was made after careful consideration for the health and safety of library customers and staff as well as the wider community.  

We are thankful that there are no confirmed cases in our region at this time, but we recognize how much this crisis is impacting lives.  Our thoughts go out to all those who are affected.

LOPL will continue coordinating with community leadership as we monitor ongoing public health conditions. We will re-evaluate closer to April 1 to determine if the closure needs to be extended. Please follow our website liveoakpl.org, Facebook @liveoakpl, and Twitter @liveoakpl for updates.

For information on COVID-19 preparedness and response, refer to Coastal Georgia Public Health District, Georgia Department of Public Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Updated March 16, 2020; Posted March 14, 2020

Live Oak Public Libraries continues to monitor the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. We are following the guidance and recommendations of public health officials, including encouraging best practices for hygiene, social distancing, and cleaning in our facilities.

The safety of our staff and customers remains our highest priority. We also have a responsibility as a community partner, so we are implementing additional preventative measures to ensure the health of everyone in our libraries.

At this time, libraries remain open to the public regular hours; however, based on the latest information available and in an effort to limit the potential spread of COVID-19, the following changes in library services are effective Sunday, March 15, 2020 through Monday, March 30, 2020:

  • All library programs and classes, meeting room use, and special events are canceled.
    Exception: Chatham County Early Voting will take place March 16 – 20, 2020 at Islands Library and Southwest Chatham Library.
  • Community engagement activities, including outreach programs and homebound services, are suspended.
  • Overdue fines will be waived during this time period. Library bookdrops remain open.
  • The due date of all materials currently checked out is extended until March 30, 2020.

We are watching developments and will continue to provide updates as we revisit decisions before March 30 or as needed. Please follow our website liveoakpl.org, Facebook @liveoakpl, and Twitter @liveoakpl for additional information.

As always, the Library’s digital resources are accessible for free online. E-books, audiobooks, movies, and more are available from any device at liveoakpl.org/elibrary.

Posted March 12, 2020

Live Oak Public Libraries is monitoring the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.  As the situation is developing, we will continue to follow the guidance and recommendations of public health officials.

The safety and health of library visitors and staff is our highest priority.  Libraries are regularly cleaning surfaces and equipment, we are encouraging best practices for hygiene, including handwashing, and we have hand sanitizer available for patrons and staff. 

At this time, libraries remain open to the public with regular hours and our programs are continuing as scheduled.  We will continue to pay attention to community updates and keep you informed of any changes in library operations.

We also want to remind you that the library’s digital resources are always available online. E-books, audiobooks, movies, and more are accessible from any device through our website at liveoakpl.org.