Translations of the following message will be available soon on our website.
 
Dearest Patron,
 
We are writing with the latest update on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on Library services. Based on the recommendations issued by the Department of Public Health related to aggressive social distancing to help curtail further spread of COVID-19 in our community, the San Francisco Public Library will close today (March 13) at 6 p.m. through March 31. During this period, we will continually assess this developing situation to determine the length of closure.
Your Health and Safety Is Our Priority
The facts that contributed to this difficult decision are as follows:
  • The scientific community is in agreement that slowing the rise in new cases through social distancing is critical to containing the virus
  • An exponential growth in cases could overwhelm our healthcare system, which is why early action is necessary
  • This decision was made in alignment with SFUSD’s decision to close public schools for the next three weeks
While we are saddened that we have to temporarily close our doors, we believe that this step will protect those in our community who are the most vulnerable. We are grateful for your understanding and support. As the Persian adage goes, “This too shall pass,” and when it does, your San Francisco Public Library will be waiting for you with open arms. 
In the meantime, we encourage you to stay informed on the coronavirus by texting COVID19SF to 888-777 or by visiting SF72.org.
 
Please note that, earlier today, Mayor London Breed announced that San Francisco Public Library and the Recreation & Park Department facilities will act as temporary Emergency Youth Care Centers facilities for children of low-income families and those with parents on the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak, such as City employees deployed as Disaster Service Workers and healthcare professionals. Families can register starting tomorrow, Saturday, March 14, for full-time or drop in care through the Department of Children, Youth and their Families at https://www.dcyf.org/care.
 
REMEMBER: Protect, Prepare and Know the Facts
The best ways to reduce risk of getting sick, as with seasonal colds or the flu, still applies to prevent COVID-19:
  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Try alternatives to shaking hands, like an elbow bump or wave.
  • If you have recently returned from a country, state or region with ongoing COVID-19 infections, monitor your health and follow the instructions of public health officials.
  • Vulnerable individuals, which is defined as 60+ years or who have health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease and weakened immune systems, are recommended to limit outings, avoid large gatherings, telecommute if possible, stay home if they are sick and avoid people who are sick. 
  • There is no recommendation to wear masks at this time to prevent yourself from getting sick.
Please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for frequently asked questions.
 
Enjoy the Library from Home
The Library’s robust digital services give card holders 24/7 free access to eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, classes and more. Here is a sampling of some of the rich resources we offer:
 
Independent Movies and Award-winning Documentaries
Kanopy and Hoopla offer a wide array of movies, including international films, animation and documentaries. You can watch them on your computer or smart TV. Great selections for kids too!
 
Online Learning
Kanopy also offers “The Great Courses,” featuring more than 5,000 streaming courses so you can delve into the histories of religions and sacred texts, learn the basics of baking, explore yoga and much more
 
You can pick up or brush up on a language using Mango Languages or Rosetta Stone.
 
Get Your Groove Back
You can stream your favorite artists/genres from Hoopla as well as from Alexander Street Press Music Databases. Classical, jazz, world music, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and more are all at your fingertips.
 
Free “Real” News on our eMagazines and eNews pages
Get free access to the New York Times and San Francisco Chronicle and stay up-to-date on current events. World newspapers are available through PressReader in over 60 languages. Kono Digital has popular magazines from Japan, China and Korea. Russian language newspapers are available through Eastview.
 
Please know that you and yours are in our thoughts during this challenging time, and like you, we look forward to getting back to normal and to see your smiling face at the Library.
 
Sincerely,
Michael Lambert
City Librarian

Questions?  Contact us at publicaffairs@sfpl.org.