EPLS Pandemic Safety Measures & COVID-19 Resources

To maintain the safety of both staff and patrons, we have made some changes to our libraries and procedures. Please read the new guidelines before your library visit and give us a call if you have any questions. As we all move through this challenging time, we are working to best serve our community and we ask for your flexibility and patience.

Library Hours (effective Monday, February 28, 2022):

  • Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Inside the Library:

Masks are optional at all EPLS locations for all Library visitors. (effective Monday, January 31, 2022)

Hand sanitizer dispensers are available throughout the Library.

The Library is following the governor’s directive to encourage social distancing if you are not fully vaccinated.

Only refillable water bottles are permitted. All other food and drink are prohibited inside the library.

Public computers are available and have been rearranged to allow for social distancing.

Study rooms are available. See staff to see room availability. 

Curbside Services:

If you do not wish to enter the Library, you are able to receive library materials via Grab & Go Curbside Pickup at South and West River locations; drive-up window at Keystone-LaGrange location; or the hold lockers outside our West River and Keystone locations.

Picking up Holds:

Once you receive notice that your holds are available, bring your library card and pick them up via:

  • Curbside service at the South and West River locations.
  • Drive-up service at the Keystone location. For your safety, please drive your car up to the window. Do not walk up to the window.
  • Exterior holds lockers at the West River and Keystone locations.

Returning Items:

Return materials to the designated book returns area inside the library. Outdoor book returns are also available at all EPLS locations. Note: EPLS is currently fine free.

Homebound Services:

Any patron living in the Elyria City or Keystone Local School Districts can qualify for Homebound Delivery. Qualifying residents must be unable to leave their home or current residence on a temporary or permanent basis.

During this pandemic, we have expanded our Homebound Deliveries to reach at-risk seniors and immunocompromised. Deliveries are limited to 10 items per month with a contactless delivery protocol.

If you are interested in any of our services, please contact us by phone at 440-324-9831 or email at outreach@elyrialibrary.org.

If you wish to request Homebound Delivery, either contact us by email or fill out the application here.

Virtual Services:

Reach us electronically for questions about our services, your account, requesting materials, or any reference topic.

  • Contact us by completing an online form. If you would like to request items, please use our What to Read Next form
  • Chat online with a librarian here.

Access virtual programs by visiting our website, following us on Facebook, or subscribing to our YouTube Channel.

 

How Can I Protect Myself | COVID-19 Resources

At-Home Test Kits | Americans can now order one set of 4 at-home tests from the federal government through USPS.com. Orders will ship in late January. United States Postal Service will only send one set of 4 tests to valid U.S. residential addresses. Order test kits here.

N-95 Mask Distribution | TBA

Vaccine Clinics | Residents are encouraged to register for the vaccine and/or booster at Lorain County Public Health with the ArmorVax app. Vaccine clinic registration and COVID information available here.
 

Avoiding Scams & Misinformation

COVID-19 Checklist for Avoiding Scams | The Ohio Department of Health has compiled information and resources to avoid scams regarding COVID-19. Click here for details.

Ohio Attorney General Coronavirus Resources & Guidance | With the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting our work and home lives, the office of Attorney General Dave Yost offers help. Whether you are trying to defend yourself against scams or protect your family. Click here for details.


Health & Senior Resources

Lorain County Office on Aging | Providing services and supports so Lorain County residents can age successfully in the place they've chosen to call home. Provides help with nutrition, in-home support, kinship caregivers and more. Call 440-326-4800 or email info@lcooa.org.

Lorain County Public Health

Ohio Department of Health

The Nord Center | The Nord Center provides behavioral health programs, prevention, education and client advocacy that focuses on individual recovery and well-being. Contact via phone at 440-204-4161 or the Crisis Hotline at 1-800-888-6161.

Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services | These resources from can help manage the distress many are feeling due to Covid-19.