Coronavirus Resource Center

Resources for Library Patrons regarding the Corona Virus (COVID-19)

Where to Start

A Guide to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) for Public Libraries – A thorough guide by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) with links to reliable sources of online information.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Statements from the Essex Library

Information from the Town of Essex

Limit Private Gatherings to Less Than 10 People
(From Town of Essex, 3/19/2020)

This is Lisa Fasulo, Health Director for the Town of Essex.

Effective immediately, in order to stop the spread of Coronavirus, private events such as dinner parties and/or any social gatherings greater than 10 people are strongly discouraged.

I understand this is an extraordinary step, but we need to keep everyone safe from the spread of this virus. We must all work at minimizing the health risks to ourselves, to others, and to our community.

People of all ages are becoming ill and are dying, so we ask that you adhere to strict Social Distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others when out in public and limiting your private gatherings to less than 10 people.

  • Remember to continue to wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer,
  • Clean and sanitize common-contact surfaces,
  • Cover your cough, and
  • most importantly, Stay Home if you are Sick!

We will get through this, but it will take each one of us to do our part for the benefit of our entire community.

Ways to Prepare for CoronaVirus Outbreak (from the Town of Essex)

  • Mitigation of Community Transmission –  This is typically done by increasing personal behaviors which limit the spread of communicable diseases caused by virus/bacteria/germs.  Hand washing, staying home when ill, practice social distancing, seeking medical care when needed. No travel to areas where the virus is prevalent.
  • Preparing your family and household contacts for extended isolation (14-days or more). – This is done by having food, medication, water, toiletries, and other essentials stocked in the home prior to anyone becoming ill.  People should NOT rely on home delivery services such as PeaPod, Amazon, GrubHub, Library books, Pharmaceutical products, etc. because these options may be limited if the drivers and staff in their warehouses are also ill and have to be home for 14-days.
  • Preparing business for prolonged employee absences. – Encourage all businesses to plan how they will operate with limited staff & employees.  This will be critical for businesses that provide essential services such as home heating oil delivery, grocery stores, gas stations, daycares, senior living facilities/senior services, etc.  It is critically important for Restaurants to exclude ill food-service workers. Even office-type businesses (accountants, realtors, cable/internet customer services, etc.) must plan how they will still serve their customers with limited employees to manage service calls or day-to-day operations.
  • Knowing what to do if flu-like symptoms arise. – Unless it’s a true emergency, people who develop flu-like symptoms should NOT go to their physician or walk-in clinic without FIRST CALLING the office to notify the physicians.  The physician’s office may be short-staffed (because staff is home ill) or there may be updated State protocols with instructions on where to go for proper medical care. Again these protocols will change as the rate of illness changes.

Information from the State of Connecticut

Updates from the Governor and State Government

News Articles Concerning the State of Connecticut

Hand Washing Information

Health and Safety

Mental Health

Face Mask Cover Sewing Instructions

Public Health Organizations

Children and Coronavirus

Travel Information

Welcome back!

Booked to Browse Appointments

Please book an appointment to visit the library. 30-minute appointment slots to browse our collection or use a computer are available between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Monday – Saturday.

Park & Pickup Service

Contact free pickup is available from tables in the library’s main parking lot between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday – Saturday.

Electronic services are available 24/7.

Library Materials Return

Essex Library is accepting returned materials. Please place items in the brown book drop in our parking lot.  All returned items are quarantined for 96 hours before they are checked-in; items are then back dated.

Due to staggered reopening of libraries, delays in deliveries, and materials quarantining, Essex Library is continuing our waivers on overdue fines. Due dates will still apply to library materials. Thank you for helping us share materials in a timely way with all patrons.

Thank You for Your Support!

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