A compilation of lists of information, resources, learning opportunities and State Library news announcements related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Government Information and Resources
- For Everyone
- For Libraries
- Learning Opportunities
- Resources for Economic Support
- State Library News
- State Library Tour
Government Information You Can Use
State
The Coronavirus.ohio.gov website includes information resources, news, and information about COVID-19 and Ohio’s vaccination program. Public awareness videos are available to view, download, and share.
COVID-19 Dashboard
The State of Ohio COVID-19 Dashboard displays the most recent preliminary data reported to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) about cases, hospitalizations and deaths in Ohio by selected demographics and county of residence.
COVID-19 Vaccination Program
Learn about myths versus facts, access frequently asked questions, and more. Includes link to Get the Shot.
COVID-19 Vaccination Pop-Up Clinics
Check for upcoming locations. Pop-up vaccination sites throughout Ohio are open to Ohioans currently eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines, and typically accept walk-ins.
Fact Sheet COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses
Frequently Asked Questions COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses
COVID-19 Vaccination Timelines (PDF)
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Eligibility (PDF)
Communications Resource Hub
Here you will find resources from various sources to help communicate information about the COVID-19 vaccine and related concerns. Resources available include materials to address the general population as well as materials to address specific groups.
Equity and High Risk Groups
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected certain communities, and others face increased risk from the virus. Ohio is committed to addressing inequities in these areas and across all health-related topics. Here, you’ll find COVID-19 vaccine resources and other materials for our most at-risk groups.
Public Health Orders
Read the public health and executive orders signed by the governor and health director in response to COVID-19.
Archive of Daily Press Briefings related to Ohio and COVID-19
Recorded press briefings by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Amy Acton, MD, MPH, Director of the Ohio Department of Health.
News Releases & News You Can Use
This page contains a collection of the most recent news releases from Governor Mike DeWine, the Ohio Department of Health and slides used in COVID-19 Daily Briefings by Gov. DeWine and Amy Acton, MD, MPH, Director of the Ohio Department of Health. Also included on this page are a selection of curated news stories about COVID-19.
Ohio Department of Health Coronavirus Information
Call Center: 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634)
Find the latest information and resources about COVID-19 including: a Data Dashboard, Public Health Orders and Ohio Governor DeWine Directives, Stay at Home Information, Resources for Parents and Families, How to Respond, Checklists, Educational Information, and Guidelines for Education and Childcare.
Ohio Local Health Districts
Find contact information for all of the city and county local health districts in Ohio. Search by typing the county or city name in the search bar or by using the map. For your convenience, there is also a full listing of all of the districts at the bottom of the page.
Federal
White House
Path Out of the Pandemic – President Biden’s COVID-10 Action Plan
New Actions to Address the Needs of People with Disabilities and Older Adults in Response to and Recovery from COVID-19
The Biden-Harris Administration has launched a new initiative to expand the availability of at-home tests that are more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. The tests work with a compatible Bluetooth-enabled smartphone and a free app to provide users with audible instructions and audible test results. Read more about the tests.( https://acl.gov/covid19/tests-people-who-are-blind-or-have-low-vision)
How to get the tests:
Order online or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
(https://special.usps.com/testkits/accessible)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDD)
COVID Data Tracker – Find maps and charts tracking cases, deaths, and trends of COVID-19 in the United States, updated daily by 8 pm ET
State Up To Date with Your Vacines (CDC)
Variants and Genomic Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2
Domestic Travel During COVID-19
Federal Depository Library Program – Resources for Federal Depository Libraries and for patrons.
Coronavirus Pandemic: Government Resources: United States Health Agencies
This guide contains a list of government resources about the Coronavirus Pandemic.
National Institutes of Health – Get the latest research information from NIH.
National Library of Medicine – An institute within the National Institutes of Health, the National Library of Medicine is the world’s largest medical library.
World Health Organization – For the most current information on the COVID-19 Pandemic worldwide.
The COVID-19 Minority Health Strike Force Blueprint (PDF) lists 34 recommendations on dismantling racism, removing public health obstacles, improving the social/economic and physical environments, and strengthening data collection to better track disparities.
In response to the Strike Force’s report, Governor DeWine issued Ohio’s Executive Response: A Plan of Action to Advance Equity. The action plan outlines efforts to reinforce the DeWine Administration’s commitment to advancing health equity and establishing Ohio as a model for justice, equity, opportunity, and resilience.
Ohio Department of Health Resources for Parents and Families
Information for parents and families during the COVID-19 crisis, ranging from family activity ideas, virtual tours of museums, and information for students, and about school nutrition programs.
World Health Organization – Coronavirus disease pandemic resources and information
Activities
Looking for fun and positive learning experiences for young children while at home during the COVID-19 pandemic? Day By Day Ohio is a tool that families and caregivers can use to engage children in early literacy activities. Every time you go to Day By Day Ohio, you’ll see a new set of activities for today’s date. A service of the State Library of Ohio in collaboration with Ohio Ready to Read, Day By Day Ohio supports early literacy skills, helps young children get ready for school, and is available 24/7. Information about family health and wellness, literacy and creativity, and ideas for exploring Ohio are also easily accessible on the website.
Day By Day Ohio is funded in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) has created “COSI Connects” a digital doorway for fun at-home science discovery and learning. COSI Connects provides daily exciting and engaging STEAM content, that are tied directly to State of Ohio Learning Standards, through videos, documents, and hands-on science that you can use as a student, teacher, or family at home. Membership is not required to engage in COSI Connects.
List of resources for families, including food and utility info as well as children’s activities (including the Day By Day Ohio calendar!) and general info on COVID-19.
Reading
The Ohio Digital Library is a digital consortium of 177 Ohio libraries. The libraries share a collection of digital media that includes eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and video. The eBook collection alone includes over 340,000 copies of more than 40,000 individual titles.
If you do not already have a library card to access the Ohio Digital Library, you can register for a temporary Instant Digital Card using your phone number. Or, the process to obtain a State Library card is very simple, just fill in this form. During the closure, you will receive an email with your library card number.
Coronavirus: A Book for Children “An elegant, effective work. Download this now, read it immediately, share it with everyone you know.” — School Library Journal (starred review) This informative and accessible guide for young readers defines the Coronavirus, explains why everyday routines have been disrupted, and lays out how everyone can do their part to help. Inclusion on this list/webpage does not constitute an endorsement by the State Library of Candlewick Press.
Many public libraries in Ohio are issuing temporary digital cards to new patrons while their buildings are closed. These cards provide access to individual library purchased and statewide or consortia shared digital collections.
History
Ohio Digital Network and DPLA
The Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) is an all-digital library that serves as a portal for millions of photographs, manuscripts, books, sounds, moving images, and more from libraries, archives, and museums around the United States. In 2012 DPLA began an initiative of “hubs” nationwide to collect materials on a larger scale. The Ohio Digital Network is a project to create a hub for addition of materials from Ohio institutions into DPLA.
Collections of Ohio Digital Network primary sources focus on Ohio and American history, and have been curated for your research and educational needs. They include links to items in DPLA, teaching guides, and classroom activities – all free to use!
Ohio Memory is the collaborative statewide digital library program of the Ohio History Connection and the State Library of Ohio. On this free website, you can explore digital content from over 390 cultural heritage institutions representing all 88 of Ohio’s counties covering a wide range of topics from prehistory to present day. Ohio Memory contains over 1,000,000 digital images from a variety of primary and secondary source image types, including:
- Photographs, maps, drawings and paintings
- Manuscripts, letters, diaries and journals
- Archaeological artifacts, natural history specimens and historical objects
- Newspapers, books and e-publications
- Audio and video
Additional History and Genealogy Resources are list on our website at https://library.ohio.gov/collections/
Museums
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum – The Ohio State University Libraries
Digital Exhibits – View digital exhibits and works in the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
CAM is actively engaged in the digitization of their permanent collection, which contains over 67,000 works of art. While the entire museum collection is not currently online, images and information are frequently being added and updated. Please note that not all objects featured online are currently on view in our galleries.
Browse CMA’s collection of current art and other works.
The Ohio Statehouse has a wealth of resources for exploring Ohio history, civics and art. Enjoy video tours, lesson plans and fascinating stories about our state and our Capitol.
Highlights from the Taft Museum of Art Permanent Collection & Audio Tour
Virtual Programming from the Taft Museum of Art
Visual Literacy and the Toledo Museum of Art
Spend an Art Minute with TMA! Each week, the Museum features a work from its world–renowned collection. #ArtMinute
Video: The Toledo Museum of Art has posted over 300 videos on its YouTube channel. This collection contains artist demonstrations, guest talks and lectures, promotional videos for some of your favorite exhibitions and more. Some of the most popular videos are listed on the channel. They have also provided links to a series of videos produced in collaboration with SmartHistory, the most visited art history resource in the world, and to WGTE Knowledge Stream.
REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Information Hub: A COVID-19 Research Project is a research project conducted by OCLC, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle to produce and distribute science-based COVID-19 information that can aid local decision-making regarding operations of archives, libraries, and museums.
New REALM Research on Ventilation and COVID-19 (July 2022)
Happening Now – Research Briefing Updates
View the research
Webinars
The impact of Hand Sanitizers on Collection Materials
As with many heritage institutions, hand sanitizers solutions are provided in Library of Congress (LC) reading rooms and public areas. There has been interest into the impact or effect of any of these solutions, or whether it could be detected that transfer to collection items could occur. The Preservation Research and Testing Division (PRTD) screened two classes of sanitizers (alcohol-based and water-based) to assess their effect on paper based collection materials.
ALA | COVID-19 Recovery – Guidance and Protocols
Resources pointing to new guidelines and protocols, some standardized and some in process and development.
REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Information Hub: A COVID-19 Research Project is a research project conducted by OCLC, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle to produce and distribute science-based COVID-19 information that can aid local decision-making regarding operations of archives, libraries, and museums.
Happening Now – Research Briefing Updates
View the research
Webinars
American Libraries – Read articles related to COVID-19
CDC (Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention)
This guidance is intended for all Americans, whether you own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the cleanliness and safety of your home.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2
Ohio Department of Health
COVID-19 Information and Checklist for Businesses/Employers
Resources from Library Organizations & Publications
State
Prepare for remote learning with resources, lessons, and more that all Ohio PreK-12 schools can use. Your students can keep calm, carry on, and keep learning with INFOhio!
NEO-RLS (All types of libraries)
A resource hub that offers up-to-date resources, learning material and information that can help you and your library stay safe and informed.
Ohio Library Council: Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Public Libraries)
Includes News and Updates, Guidelines for Libraries, and Learning Opportunities
At-Home COVID-19 Testing Kits for Public Libraries
OhioLINK (Higher Education Libraries)
COVID-19 Response Information – the latest available information on OhioLINK meetings, Print Lending FAQs and Electronic Resources FAQs.
National
American Library Association
Pandemic Preparedness Resources for Libraries from the American Library Association
This page provides information about preparing for a pandemic, including library-specific policy suggestions and more universal resources on pandemic education, prevention and preparation. Some of the resources are specific to influenza outbreaks but can be used more universally to help educate and inform decisions on pandemic prevention and preparedness. Ongoing updates.
Protecting Privacy in a Pandemic: A Resource Guide
Even during a public health emergency, libraries should continue to adhere to their mission and stand by the law and ethical standards that govern the provision of library services.
Connect Member Community — Resources for members of ALA —A vibrant hub of conversation to stay connected and share your creative solutions with one another, including on threads like:
Authors reading books and copyright infringement
Adult Virtual Programming
American Libraries
Reopening: Not “When?” But “How?” Libraries Consider the Realities of a Post-Pandemic World, American Libraries, April 17, 2020
Digital Escape Rooms and Other Online Programming: Libraries adapt quickly for COVID-19 – , American Libraries, March 31, 2020
How to Sanitize Collections in a Pandemic – American Libraries checked in with conservationists for recommendations about cleaning and safely handling materials. American Libraries, March 27, 2020
Association of Academic & Research Libraries (ACRL)
Pandemic Resources for Academic Libraries from ACRL
ALA and ACRL are committed to supporting our members, staff, and all librarians and library workers during these uncertain times. Now more than ever, academic and research librarians and libraries are essential to a thriving global community of learners and scholars. This resource guide was created by ACRL to support the academic and research library community during global public health crises. The guide features resources for distance education and engagement, free professional development resources, best practices, and up-to-date information from public health officials.
everylibrary
Resources for Libraries on Coronavirus (everylibrary)
The biggest role libraries can play in a national response to the emerging COVID-19 threat is as information specialists.
infoDOCKET
Directory of On-Demand Recordings of Webinars from Library Organizations, Vendors, and Others
Filed by at infoDOCKET – Includes a spreadsheet with links to watch recordings of these webinars and/or information about a variety of webinar series.
IMLS
Mitigating COVID-19 When Managing Paper-Based, Circulating, and Other Types of Collections – webinar
Dr. David Berendes and Dr. Catherine Rasberry from the Centers for Disease Control presented an overview of the CDC’s guidance for community settings and environmental disinfection, and a discussion of how libraries, archives, and museums can help mitigate COVID-19 when working with paper-based, circulating, and other types of collections. The presentation was followed by a question and answer period. Presented in coordination with U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Archives and Records Administration, Smithsonian Institution, and Library of Congress.
Library Journal
Library, Archives Workers Share Work-From-Home Ideas
By Ryan P. Randall and Jennifer LC Burke, Library Journal.
Overview of information workers crowdsourcing lists of work-from-home assignments
Libraries & COVID-19: Providing Virtual Services – this AL Live webinar recording is now available.
IMLS, CDC: On Staff Safety, Handling Paper In COVID-19 Pandemic By Lisa Peet, Library Journal. Apr 08, 2020
Summary information from Mitigating COVID-19 When Managing Paper-Based, Circulating, and Other Types of Collections webinar.
Programming Librarian
Online Story Time & Coronavirus: It’s Fair Use Folks from Programming Librarian
By Sarah Ostman, ALA Public Programs Office. As your library moves many of its services online in response to the coronavirus pandemic, you may be wondering about the legality of posting recorded story times to your Facebook or YouTube page. The answer lies in “fair use.”
Book Club Going Virtual? Consider These 3 Things from Programming Librarian
The Facts: Fighting Fake News in the Pandemic from Programing Librarian
By Sarah Ostman, ALA Public Programs Office. Have you heard that essential oils or colloidal silver can cure COVID-19? Or that the virus was developed as a bioweapon in a lab? Have you received any messages that “a friend of a friend” has insider information that the nation is going into lockdown? Misinformation runs rampant during times of unrest, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Your library may be closed to the public, but you can still help thwart misinformation by sharing media literacy resources via your website or social media channels.
Serving Patrons Experiencing Homelessness in a COVID-19 Shutdown from Programming Librarian
Pandemic-induced closures of public libraries nationwide are an inconvenience to many, but one group is perhaps affected more than others: people experiencing homelessness.
It may not be possible to offer in-person services for patrons experiencing homelessness during a shutdown, but libraries can help by making information more accessible. Stevie Pinkerton, a homeless man living in Denver, said he relies on bathrooms at the Denver Public Library’s Central branch and the local rec center, but will be forced to figure something else out now that the library is closing.
OCLC
Provides timely information and valuable OCLC resources for libraries. It also offers opportunities for online discussion and instruction to help library professionals continue to serve their communities during this challenging time. Includes: Access extended free e-content; Provide remote access to library collections; Optimize OCLC products and resources; and Connect and collaborate with other OCLC member libraries.
WebJunction
Libraries and the Coronavirus: Evolving Information and Resources from WebJunction
The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak is having a global impact and affecting local communities. Staff in libraries of all types, geographic locations, and sizes are learning the facts about this public health crisis and helping to inform their patrons. Information includes: What can libraries do? Library-specific resource compilations; Library Closure Information, Data Collection, and Surveys in the Field; Events; and Virtual Programming Resources.
Public Libraries Preparing to Reopen: Examples from the Field
The examples collected here are focused on public libraries. Examples from additional types of libraries, archives, and museums will be added during Phase 2 (June – October 2020).
OCLC Virtual Town Hall: Libraries and the COVID-19 Crisis from WebJunction
A 90-minute recording of an OCLC virtual town hall with a welcome from Skip Prichard, President and CEO of OCLC. This recording of a live event featured WebJunction and OCLC Research Library Partnership program staff and four guest panelists from public, academic, special, and school libraries who will shared their experiences with the shifting landscape, including how libraries are moving services, programming, and learning online. The webinar is available through the course catalog of WebJunction and includes slides and other resources from the event.
Government Resources
Ohio
Ohio Department of Health Coronavirus Information
Federal
See IMLS above.
Federal Depository Library Program
Resources for Federal Depository Libraries and for patrons.
Guidance for Managing Federal Depository Library Collections Safely During COVID-19
This guidance is intended to provide information to Federal Depository Coordinators and their staff on how to safely maintain services to users and safeguard collections during the COVID-19 pandemic. As libraries open to provide needed services to users, each Coordinator should ensure these best practices to avoid spreading the virus or damaging library materials. (revised 6/24/2020)
FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control
The purpose of this FEMA page is to help the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis. Do your part to the stop the spread of disinformation by doing 3 easy things: don’t believe the rumors, don’t pass them along and go to trusted sources of information to get the facts about the federal (COVID-19) response.
Community Use of E-Rate Supported Wi-Fi is Permitted During Closures from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
A guide to COVID-10 for Public Libraries from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine
Includes a list of resources from MedlinePlus, NIH, CDC, WHO, and more.
How Does A Library Respond to a Global Health Crisis? National Library of Medicine Director’s Blog, Patricia Flatley Brennan, RN, Ph.D.
At NLM, we’ve been working on multiple fronts to improve researchers’ understanding of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes the novel coronavirus) and aid in the response to COVID-19 (the disease caused by the novel coronavirus). By enhancing access to relevant data and information, NLM is demonstrating how libraries can contribute in real time to research and response efforts during this crisis.
COVID-19 and the American Workplace from the U.S. Department of Labor
The Wage and Hour Division provides information on common issues employers and employees face when responding to COVID-19, and its effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – U.S. Government Information page from the CDC
Get the latest public health information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Disinfecting your facility if someone is sick from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Other State Libraries & Commissions
Idaho Commission for Libraries
Information for Libraries https://libraries.idaho.gov/covid-info/#library-info
Webinar: Reopening and Disinfecting Libraries – Sharing COVID-19 Experiences, April 21st, 2020 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3u2t8HIfWc
Idaho Library YS COVID-19 Resources
Indiana State Library Activities and resources for the COVID-19 Crisis
COVID-19 Webinars – Resources for Libraries
South Carolina State Library Coronavirus Communications
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library & Archives Planning for Libraries Communications during COVID-10 (PDF)
Other State Associations and Consortia
Additional Learning Opportunities
Additional learning opportunities to those listed under Government Information and Resources, For Everyone, and For Libraries.
Resources for Parents and Families
Learning At Home information is available at Coronavirus.ohio.gov
- Learning at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- At-Home Learning for Grades 4-6
- At-Home Learning for High School
- At-Home Learning for Grades K-3
- At-Home Learning for Middle School
Online Learning
Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP)
Training at NO COST
The Individual Microcredential Assistance Program or IMAP helps Ohioans who are low income, partially unemployed, or totally unemployed participate in a training program to receive a credential at no cost.
O’Reilly Online Learning (For State Employees Only – With and without a library card)
O’Reilly online learning is the interactive platform government agencies trust to help solve their most critical mission: preparing employees to stay ahead of today’s ever-changing technical and management challenges.
For State Employees Only -With and without a library card, state employees may access O’Reilly Online Learning and other State Library resources through myOhio.gov. Simply click on the RESOURCES tab on MyOhio.gov, and find a link to the State Library. In addition, links to the State Library Catalog and the O’Reilly app are available on MyOhio.gov, under the MY WORKSPACE section within the Applications tab.
Lynda.com from LinkedIn (any Ohio public library card)
Self-directed online learning for technology, business, and creative skills. Access more than 12,000 video courses taught by industry experts to help you stay ahead in your current job or change careers.
Transparent Language Online (State Library of Ohio or any Ohio public library card)
Learn to speak a new language. Over 100 foreign language courses are available that can help you learn languages including French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. There’s also an ESL component that provides English language learning to speakers of over 25 different languages.
Ohio Means Jobs (no library card needed; can be used anonymously or create an account to track progress or be able to pick up where you leave off)
The LearningExpress suite of highly-acclaimed eLearning solutions provides interactive tutorials, practice tests, e-books, flashcards and articles for academic skill-building, standardized test preparation, career development and more. These award-winning learning tools are available through multiple online platforms designed to help students and professionals achieve their educational and career goals.
Find a Library (to find things available with your public library cards)
Public libraries have a myriad of other resources such as Digital Learn, Gale Courses, Mango Languages, Mometrix, Signing Savvy, Testing & Education Reference Center, Universal Class, etc. Many are issuing temporary digital cards while their buildings are closed.
From Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS)
GCF LearnFree (software tutorials)
For almost 20 years, the GCFLearnFree.org program has helped millions around the world learn the essential skills they need to live and work in the 21st century. From Microsoft Office and email, to reading, math, and more—GCFLearnFree.org offers more than 200 topics, including more than 7,000 lessons, more than 1,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, completely free.
Learning on Demand – For State Government Employee
Learning on Demand has thousands of resources available from topics ranging from project management, customer service, communication, performance management, and information technology. This powerful resource is temporarily available to all State of Ohio employees.
Directly From the Companies Involved – Inclusion on this list/webpage is for information purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by the State Library.
Office 365 Training Center (from Windows)
Learn how to get more work done, from anywhere on any device with Office 365 and Windows 10. Discover how industry professionals leverage Microsoft 365 to communicate, collaborate, and improve productivity across the team and organization.
Getting started with OverDrive (from OverDrive)
An OverDrive digital collection allows libraries to extend beyond their physical walls and offer anytime, anywhere access to ebooks, audiobooks and streaming video. The Ohio Digital Library is a consortium of 177 member libraries coordinated by the Ohio Digital Library using OverDrive digital platform.
GoToMyPC trainings (from GoToMyPC)
Work from home instantly with remote access from GoToMyPC. Securely access your important files, data, and applications from anywhere.
LogMeIn (from LogMeIn)
Provide anywhere, anytime access to all your devices, files, applications and information with Pro by LogMeIn.
Resources for Economic Support
Ohio Manufacturing Alliance to fight COVID-19. Repurposing and retooling to make PPE.
In response to the COVID-19 challenges, The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA), Ohio Hospital Association (OHA), Ohio Manufacturing Extension Program (Ohio MEP), nursing homes and JobsOhio have joined forces through the Ohio Manufacturing Alliance to Fight COVID-19. This collaborative effort will engage manufacturers to see which companies have interest in repurposing their manufacturing operations to produce some of the most in-demand products in the fight against COVID-19, especially products for the health care industry.
The Resources for Economic Support section at coronavirus.ohio.gov has the following information on Resources for Economic Support.
The COVID-19 Pandemic has created a great strain on the nation’s healthcare system, but it’s not come without it’s economic difficulties as well. State leaders are working to ensure resources are readily available to Ohio businesses and workers to ensure we all weather this difficult time, remembering we are all in this together.
The links here will connect you with local, state and federal resources and funds for the following impacted categories:
- Individuals and families: unemployment resources, health insurance relief, school meals and more.
- Small businesses and non-profits: economic disaster loan program, bar and restaurant relief, daycare ratio updates and more.
State Library News
2022
January 4 – State Library meeting rooms are now open. See our Reserve a Meeting Room page for more information.
2021
September 3 – The State Library will reopen to the public on Tuesday, September 7th. Visitors entering the building are encouraged to wear a mask to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Meeting rooms remain closed.
February 10 – Beginning on March 1, the State Library of Ohio hours for contact-free front door pickup of lending materials and borrowed items will be Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
2020
September 2 – The State Library of Ohio will resume lending materials on Tuesday, September 8. Items will be available via contact-free front door pickup at the State Library beginning Wednesday, September 16, 2020 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Please note: contact-free front door pickup service will ONLY be provided on Wednesdays for the foreseeable future. The address for the State Library of Ohio is 274 E. 1st Avenue, Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43201. Click here for more information.
July 31 – Ongoing adherence to best practices and guidance from the Governor’s office brought about in response to COVID-19, the State Library continues to operate in a “remote work” status. State Library staff remain available remotely during normal business hours.
June 30 – Statewide delivery services resumed on Monday, June 29th. Priority Dispatch has its entire fleet running but it is anticipated that the normal schedule may take up to two weeks to be fully operational due to the books and materials that have been securely stored in their facilities since March. Drivers and local delivery hubs will work closely with libraries to assist with specific needs.
Thank you for your patience through this extraordinary time.
In adherence to best practices and guidance from the Governor’s office brought about in response to COVID-19, the State Library continues to operate in a “remote work” status. State Library staff remain available remotely during normal business hours.
May 28 – In adherence to best practices and guidance from the Governor’s office brought about in response to COVID-19, the State Library moved to a “remote work” status effective March 18, 2020. State Library staff remain available remotely during normal business hours. Thank you for your patience. Online resources remain available 24/7. Loan periods have been extended for physical items currently checked-out and we ask that patrons refrain from returning these items to the library. The option for requesting items for new check-outs has been deactivated. State employees are encouraged to access online library resources through this website or at MyOhio.gov.
April 30 – The tentative date for reopening the State Library is June 1, 2020.
The video includes messages from Bill Morris, Interim Executive Director; Evan Struble, Associate State Librarian for Library Development; John Stewart, Director, Operations and Technology, SEO Service Center; Tracy Grimm, Head, Circulation & Special Services; Marsha McDevitt-Stredney, Director, Marketing & Communications; Nicole Merriman, Head, Research & Catalog Services; and Mandy Simon, Library Consultant – Library Development.
April 3 – We continue closely monitoring information and recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, and the Ohio Department of Health. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has asked that each State department continue the existing telework arrangement for their employees beyond the original three-week order. Yesterday, an Amended Director’s Order that All Persons Stay Safe at Home Unless Engaged in Essential Work or Activity was signed and will remain in full force and effect until 11:59 p.m. on May 1, 2020. therefore, the State Library will not reopen until at least May 4, 2020. During this time, State Library staff will continue to telework from home. The telework arrangement includes our Serving Every Ohioan (SEO) Service Center in Caldwell.
March 23 – On Sunday, March 22th, under the direction of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH issued a director’s Stay At Home order to require all Ohioans to stay in their homes to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 beginning at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, March 23, 2020 until 11:59 p.m. on April 6, 2020. In response, we paused the NASA@ My Library Kit shipments. While we can still take kit requests for June, and beyond, we cannot confirm the delivery of the kits until the Stay At Home order has expired, or has been rescinded or modified.
March 22 – To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 the State Library is closed until at least April 7th. Online resources and remote services will remain available during this time. Loan periods have been extended for physical items currently checked-out and we ask that patrons refrain from returning these items to the library. The option for requesting items for new check-outs has been deactivated. State employees are encouraged to access online library resources through this website or at MyOhio.gov.
While the State Library will be closed to the public, all online resources including the Ohio Digital Library will remain available. During this time, loan periods will be extended for physical items currently checked-out and we ask that patrons refrain from returning these items to the library. The option for requesting items for new check-outs will be deactivated.
The health and safety of our patrons and staff was paramount in the decision of State Librarian Beverly Cain to close the library. As of today, 3/13/2020 at 2 p.m.—Ohio has 13 confirmed cases, 159 persons with test results pending, and 333 under health supervision. On March 6th, Governor DeWine signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Ohio to protect Ohioans from the dangerous effects of COVID-19. This allows State departments and agencies to better coordinate their response, free up resources to protect Ohioans, and quickly purchase additional needed resources and supplies. President Trump has declared a national emergency. According to the CDC, “The virus that causes COVID-19 is infecting people and spreading easily from person-to-person. Cases have been detected in most countries worldwide and community spread is being detected in a growing number of countries. On March 11, the COVID-19 outbreak was characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Enjoy this slideshow tour while the State Library building is closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no sound for the video.