Santa Cruz Public Libraries suspending toddler time and other programs in wake of coronavirus

Santa Cruz Public Libraries will be suspending many of their programs in light of coronavirus cases being reported.

Officials are working closely with Public Health Services to monitor the latest information.

The County recommends that events of fifty or more people should be temporarily suspended at this time.  The Library will implement that recommendation for all programs and meeting room reservations.  Since some of their toddler time and story time programs do reach that number, the Library is suspending all toddler time, and story time and Tail to Tales programs. 

You are asked to please consult their events page for up to date information on all of the programs.

The Library says their highest priority is the health, safety, and well-being of our community members. Because they are fully committed to ensuring that their libraries are safe and welcoming to all, they’ve implemented a strategy that prioritizes prevention by integrating the following recommendations shared by the CDC and County Public Health Department:

Take Care of Your Health and Help Protect Others

• Staying home, if you’re not feeling well.
• Washing your hands frequently (use soap and water for at least 20 seconds).
• Maintaining social distance (at least an arm’s length or 3-6 ft. between yourself and others).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Visit the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency  or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the latest Coronavirus updates and more recommendations and resources in Spanish.

Preventative Measures Being Taken at SCPL

• Temporary suspension of some programs and all programs that exceed fifty people.
• Encouraging Library staff and volunteers to wash their hands frequently, use gloves, and wipe down touched points (elevators, door handles, tables, computers, self-checkout machines, etc.) using disinfecting wipes, throughout the day.
• Increasing our supplies of alcohol-based hand sanitizers for both public and staff to use, if needed.
• Displaying Coronavirus informational bilingual flyers at all SCPL locations.
• Communicating and updating our staff and volunteers, as news develops.

Library Operations/Programs/Events

• All libraries are open as usual.
• Most of our scheduled programs/events will continue to be offered except for toddler time, storytime and Tales to Tails and programs that exceed fifty people. However, the Library will be reviewing public programs on a daily basis, to discuss possible modifications to ensure the health and safety of staff and attendees.  We encourage you to please check online event listings before attending programs in case there are any changes.
• Follow the library on social media @SantaCruzPL for the latest updates.
• Visit the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency  for emergency public information notifications and updates on COVID-19.