Covid-19 Resources & Updates

Read on for resources and library service updates related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Service Updates

We will update this page with more information as the situation develops.

6/9/21

With Illinois set to enter Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan this week, we'll be adjusting our policies related to mask-wearing and other COVID-related procedures. Starting Friday, June 11:

  • Fully vaccinated patrons will no longer need to wear a mask to enter the building.
  • Unvaccinated patrons will still be required to wear a mask while inside the building. We will not be asking for proof of vaccination, but hope that for the health and safety of our community that you abide by the guidelines issued by the CDC and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Learn more from our Executive Director.

3/1/21

Due to the disruptive construction activity happening in the next few weeks as part of the lower level renovation, reopening the building to the public will be pushed back to March 15. This will help minimize disruptions in our services to patrons, and allow time for staff to prepare the building for welcoming you back once again. We're excited to see you all soon!

1/19/21

While Cook County has moved to Tier 2 of the Restore Illinois Mitigation Plan, the Library building will remain closed to the public until March due to construction activities. In planning for the demolition of the lower level of the library building, we discovered that some areas contained asbestos tiles that must be abated. Out of an abundance of caution, the Library Board of Trustees decided to keep the building closed during abatement. Staff will continue to provide curbside, virtual, and phone services as usual. Please see mgpl.org/renovation to follow our construction progress.

11/14/20

Beginning Wednesday, November 18, our building will be closed to the public.

11/13/20

Effective Sunday, November 15:

  • Computer Room will be closed
  • Copier and scanners will be unavailable
  • Time in the building limited to 30 minutes per person per day
  • No seating available around the library

7/27/20

We are now open! See our Reopening page for details.

6/29/20

As Illinois enters Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, I wanted to share with you the steps the Library is taking to prepare for a safe reopening of the library building. Read more.

6/1/20

The Library building remains closed, but we are now offering no-contact curbside returns and pickup. Visit mgpl.org/curbside to learn more:

  • Only Morton Grove cardholders are eligible to request pickup
  • Only MGPL items are eligible for pickup
  • Holds must be ready for pickup before requesting a time slot
  • Confirmed time slot required to be able to pick up items

5/5/20

Due to the extension of the Governor's stay-at-home order:

  • All library materials are now due on July 1.
  • The hold pickup date for items currently ready for pickup has been extended to June 8.
  • The expiration date for all library cards due to expire in June has been extended to July 1.
  • We are suspending our volunteer program indefinitely. Please visit our Volunteers page for further updates.

4/27/20

On April 24, 2020, Governor Pritzker extended the Illinois stay-at-home order through May 30. To support the effort to keep our state and local communities safe, the library building will remain closed until June 1.

I know this news is difficult to hear. It is difficult for us as well! We miss seeing you in person, and we look forward to being with you again. In the meantime, Library staff have been busy creating programs and highlighting services that you can use online through Your Library At Home, the page for our digital branch on the Library's website. Please continue to check the Library website and social media accounts for the most up-to-date information on library services.

Stay safe.

Pam Leffler
Executive Director

4/20/20

  • All in-person library programming is canceled through August 31. Check our Events Calendar for programs we are offering online and over the phone, with more coming soon.

4/7/20

  • You can now apply for a library card online! Visit MGPL.org/apply to get started.
  • Though we don't have staff in the building to answer phone calls, you can now call our main number 847-965-4220 to leave a voicemail message. We will be checking voicemail regularly and will return your call as soon as possible. You can also reach us via the Chat With Us box at the bottom of the page or via email at info@mgpl.org.
  • Check our Events Calendar for programs we are offering online and over the phone, with more coming soon.

4/1/20

  • As a result of Governor Pritzker's extension of Illinois' stay-at-home order, the following has changed:
    • The Library building will remain closed until April 30
    • All item due dates have been extended to June 1
    • Hold pickup dates for items currently ready for pickup have been extended to May 11
  • While the Library building is closed, we can still answer your questions online via the Chat With Us box at the bottom of the page or via email at info@mgpl.org.
  • Our digital branch is always open at MGPL.org/athome. Explore the many resources our staff have curated that you can access from home, with and without a library card.

3/19/20

  • Based on CDC recommendations for canceling events of 10 or more people for the next eight weeks, we have made the decision to cancel all Library programming through May 31. This means that the scheduled April/May newsletter will not be mailed to Morton Grove households.
  • Ancestry.com is now available from home for a limited time.

 

3/17/20

 

3/16/20

  • The outdoor Book Drop is now closed. Due dates for all items have been extended to May 1.
     
  • Phone service is no longer available, but you can still email us.

 

3/13/20

Due to recommendations from federal and local health departments, effective 6 p.m. Friday, March 13, we are closing the library to the public. We are tentatively planning on reopening at the end of the month.
 

Things to know

  • Library staff will continue answering questions via phone, email, and online chat (the Chat With Us at the bottom of all website pages).
     
  • The outdoor book drop remains open. You are welcome to hold onto your items for the time being since we have automatic renewals and don’t have overdue fines.
     
  • Our online resources are available anytime, anywhere. This includes:
  • If you would like to access our online resources but don't have a library card, you can create a temporary card with 30-day access by calling the Check Out Desk at 847-929-5103.
     
  • The Library's free Wi-Fi will remain on and accessible from outside the building if you need internet access.

 

Further Reading

A Letter from the Library Director on COVID-19

Coronavirus and You: Facts and Tips for Staying Healthy

Healthy Living resources

COVID-19 blog updates