Washington mayor declares emergency proclamation, library, city hall closed to public indefinitely

WASHINGTON - Due to the spread of COVID-19 Washington Mayor Jaron Rosien has declared an emergency proclamation for the city which includes the library and city hall to be closed to the public.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended no gatherings of 50 people or more which has prompted this closure, according to a news release from the city. City hall will close at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, and essential business will be available by appointment only. The drop box will be open and staff will be on site to answer phones.

Washington Public Library Director Bryna Walker said although the public will not be allowed inside, staff will be reporting as normal and are available by phone for anyone who needs assistance. Online resources will still be available, she said, and highly encouraged.

From the libraries website, Bridges Library System can be accessed, she said. The database has books, audiobooks and magazines all available for free download to those with a library card.

Walker said the easiest way to access the system is through the Libby ap which can be downloaded to any device. Once registered, each user has a book shelf where they can load up materials to access from any location.

RB Digital is the 'world's largest newsstand” and can be accessed by all library card holder's as well, she said. Newspapers, magazines and other news sources can be accessed for free and automatic subscriptions can be set up to alert users when a new edition has hit the stand.

For kids, Walker said she recommends the use of Gale Kids Infobits. Like Bridges, there are books for children but also online resources for students in Kindergarten through fifth grade that feature learning materials for research and updated news articles from sources such as National Geographic Magazine.

Anyone in need of assistance or who would like to sign up for a library card is encouraged to call the library during normal business hours at: 319-653-2726.

The Mt. Pleasant Public Library has announced it will be closed to the public but between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. staff will be available to pull materials for residents. Requests can be made by calling 319-385-1490 or emailing mtpleasant.director@gmail.com.

Electronic databases also will be available for use.