EVPL's COVID-19 Response

Update: 10/28/2021

EVPL continues to monitor CDC, state, and local guidance regarding COVID-19 and the Delta variant. We continue to encourage EVPL team members and library users to wear face masks, use provided hand sanitizer, and practice social distance measures.

Update: 8/12/2021

EVPL places the utmost importance on the health and safety of our team members and community. As of now, EVPL will be requiring individuals to wear masks while on EVPL premises and in our locations.

Update: 7/27/2021

The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library is continuing to monitor CDC, state, and local guidance regarding COVID-19 and the Delta variant. We continue to encourage EVPL team members and library users to wear face masks, use provided hand sanitizer, and practice social distance measures.

Update: 6/16/2021

The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library is pleased to serve as a host location for the Vanderburgh County Health Department‘s mobile vaccine clinic Saturday, June 26. Located in the parking lot of EVPL Central, the mobile clinic will be held from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccines will be available. All are welcome.

Update: 5/14/2021

The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library is pleased to announce expanded hours for in-person services at all EVPL locations beginning Monday, May 17. These hours will be EVPL’s operating hours going forward.

In addition to extended hours, library users will be able to reserve meeting and study rooms at EVPL locations. Reservations can be made 30 days in advance on EVPL’s website. Room reservations will have a 30-minute buffer between sessions to allow for cleaning by staff.

Modified in-person programming will return to EVPL following the launch of the Summer Reading Celebration, Our Summer: Reading is Delicious, on Saturday, May 22. EVPL will also continue to provide virtual programming. All programming information is listed on the library events calendar.

EVPL will also be introducing new resources and services to the community with its new EVPL Read Sensory Room and Preservation Studio. Available by reservation or by visiting the READ Center at EVPL Central, the READ Sensory Room is a safe place for children with sensory processing differences or other challenging conditions in need of a calm, sensory-friendly space. The Preservation Studio is a free “do-it-yourself” space for community members to archive and digitize personal mementos. Both will begin accepting appointments for reservation on Monday, May 17.

“We are pleased to continue expanding our resources and services,” said EVPL CEO-Director Scott Kinney. “Increasing our hours and bringing back in-person programming is something the EVPL team is very excited about. We are looking forward to safely providing our community with resources and services they have loved and missed during this past challenging year.

Expanded hours are:

EVPL Central

Monday – Thursday | 9:00 am – 8:00 pm

Friday | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Sunday | 1:00 – 5:00 pm

EVPL McCollough, EVPL North Park, EVPL Oaklyn, EVPL Red Bank

Monday – Thursday | 9:00 am – 8:00 pm

Friday | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

EVPL East, EVPL Stringtown, EVPL West

Monday – Thursday | 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Friday | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

EVPL To Go, our contactless curbside pickup service, will continue at all EVPL locations, operating from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and during open hours on weekends.

Update: 3/8/2021

In continuation of the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library’s phased reopening plan, hours for limited in-person services will be extended at all EVPL locations beginning Monday, March 15.

The public may visit EVPL locations Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Here’s what you need to know:

• All library users are expected to wear a face covering, per the state mandate. Masks will be available for library users.
• Library users experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms are asked to not enter EVPL premises.
• Social distancing should be maintained.
• Water fountains have been disabled. However, bottle-filling stations are available at all EVPL locations.
• Hand sanitizer will be available and buildings will be routinely cleaned by EVPL staff.

EVPL To Go, our contactless curbside pickup service, will continue at open locations, operating Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

In addition to EVPL To Go, we have several digital and virtual services:

• EVPL Digital Programs: A wide range of Storytimes, Tutorials & DIYs, Book Discussions, and more
• EVPL Recommends: A personalized recommendation service to virtually browse the library
• Book-A-Librarian: Get personalized reference or technical assistance
• AskEVPL: Chat with an EVPL team member to get quick help
• EVPL’s Business Central: Create a resume, practice interview skills, and connect with resources for small business owners
• EVPL’s Education Central: Find trusted resources for students, teachers, and educators
• eMaterials: Thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, movies, and more

Thank you for your patience as we navigate this unprecedented time! We look forward to seeing you at the library.

Update: 2/2/2021

EVPL’s phased reopening plan will continue with limited in-person services being offered at all EVPL locations beginning Monday, February 15.

Here’s what you need to know:

• All library users are expected to wear a face covering, per the state mandate. Masks will be available for library users.
• Library users experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms are asked to not enter EVPL premises.
• Social distancing should be maintained.
• Water fountains have been disabled. However, bottle-filling stations are available at all EVPL locations.
• Hand sanitizer will be available and buildings will be routinely cleaned by EVPL staff.
• Materials must be returned to exterior drop boxes and will be quarantined for 72 hours before proper cleaning.

EVPL To Go, our contactless curbside pickup service, will continue at open locations.

In addition to EVPL To Go, we have several digital and virtual services:

• EVPL Digital Programs: A wide range of Storytimes, Tutorials & DIYs, Book Discussions, and more
• EVPL Recommends: A personalized recommendation service to virtually browse the library
• Book-A-Librarian: Get personalized reference or technical assistance
• AskEVPL: Chat with an EVPL team member to get quick help
• EVPL’s Business Central: Create a resume, practice interview skills, and connect with resources for small business owners
• EVPL’s Education Central: Find trusted resources for students, teachers, and educators
• eMaterials: Thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, movies, and more

Thank you for your patience as we navigate this unprecedented time! We look forward to seeing you at the library.

Update: 12/14/2020

EVPL McCollough will be closed with no library services until Tuesday, December 15.
An EVPL team member from EVPL McCollough has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual last worked Saturday, December 12.
Under the new CDC guidelines and with an abundance of caution for our community and staff, EVPL McCollough will be closed beginning Sunday, December 13, for a deep cleaning and should resume library services on Tuesday, December 15.
EVPL will continue to follow best practices put forth by health officials to ensure our facilities are safe for library users and staff.

Update: 12/9/2020

EVPL East is now open for curbside services after closing for necessary construction.

Services available at EVPL East include EVPL To Go, printing, scanning, faxing, and returning library materials.

Please note EVPL To Go is currently located in front of the building along with a temporary dropbox as the back of the building is still under construction.

Update: 11/19/2020

• EVPL To Go
• EVPL Recommends
• Book-A-Librarian
• AskEVPL
• EVPL’s Education Central
• EVPL’s Business Central
• Digital Collection
• EVPL Digital Programs

UPDATE: 11/12/2020

EVPL West will be closed with no library services beginning today, November 12. An EVPL team member from EVPL West has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual last worked Monday, November 9.

Under the new CDC guidelines and with an abundance of caution for our community and staff, EVPL West will be closed beginning today, November 9, for a deep cleaning and will reopen Monday, November 16.

EVPL will continue to follow best practices put forth by health officials to ensure our facilities are safe for library users and staff.

• There will be no EVPL To Go, our curbside pickup service, at EVPL West
• Library users with holds at EVPL West will be contacted about moving them to another location
• Materials needing to be returned should be returned to another EVPL location

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

UPDATE: 11/9/2020

Limited in-person services and EVPL To Go, our contactless curbside pickup service, will resume at seven locations beginning today, November 9.

Location	Address	Phone Number	Operating Hours	EVPL To Go Hours
EVPL Central	200 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Evansville, IN 47713	812.428.8200	Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday 1:00 - 5:00 pm	Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday 1:00 - 5:00 pm
EVPL East	840 E. Chandler Ave. Evansville, IN 47713	812.428.8231	Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm	Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
EVPL McCollough	5115 Washington Ave. Evansville, IN 47715	812.428.8236	Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm	Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
EVPL North Park	960 Koehler Dr. Evansville, IN 47710	812.428.8237	Closed for renovation	Closed for renovation
EVPL Oaklyn	3001 Oaklyn Dr. Evansville, IN 47711	812.428.8234	Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm	Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
EVPL Red Bank	120 S. Red Bank Rd. Evansville, IN 47712	812.428.8205	Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm	Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
EVPL Stringtown	2100 Stringtown Rd. Evansville, IN 47711	812.428.8233	Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm	Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
EVPL West	2000 W. Franklin St. Evansville, IN 47712	812.428.8232	Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm	Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Here’s what you need to know:

• Per government executive orders, face coverings are required to enter library premises.
• Plexiglass has been placed in high-traffic areas.
• Distancing reminders have been placed throughout library locations.
• Furniture and computer stations have been arranged to ensure social distancing.
• Meeting rooms and study rooms are closed to the community and library staff.

UPDATE: 11/2/2020

Library services will continue this week with EVPL To Go, our contactless curbside pickup service, at six locations, and our extensive Digital Collection.

Need a suggestion for what to read next? Get personalized recommendations from library staff by using EVPL Recommends.

UPDATE: 10/26/2020

EVPL Stringtown will be closed with no library services beginning today, October 26. An EVPL team member from EVPL Stringtown has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual last worked Thursday, October 22.

Under the new CDC guidelines and with an abundance of caution for our community and staff, EVPL Stringtown will be closed beginning today, October 26, for a deep cleaning and will reopen Monday, November 9.

EVPL will continue to follow best practices put forth by health officials to ensure our facilities are safe for library users and staff.

• There will be no EVPL To Go, our curbside pickup service, at EVPL Stringtown
• Library users with holds at EVPL Stringtown will be contacted about moving them to another location
• Materials needing to be returned should be returned to another EVPL location

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

UPDATE: 10/7/2020

There will be no library services on Monday, October 12 as EVPL staff will be participating in Staff Day to continue education and develop skills to provide the best experiences for our community.

However, you can always access our digital materials: https://www.evpl.org/explore/read/

UPDATE: 10/5/2020

EVPL Oaklyn will reopen today. There are four EVPL locations and a Computer Lab open for limited for limited in-person services.

Open Monday – Saturday, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm:

• EVPL McCollough
• EVPL North Park
• EVPL Oaklyn
• EVPL Red Bank
• Computer Lab in the Browning Rooms of EVPL Central

UPDATE: 9/19/20

EVPL Oaklyn will be closed beginning Saturday, September 19. An EVPL team member has experienced prolonged exposure to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19. The team member is currently awaiting their own testing results. The individual last worked Friday, September 18. Under the new CDC guidelines and with an abundance of caution for our community and staff, EVPL Oaklyn will be closed beginning Saturday, September 19 for deep cleaning and will reopen Monday, October 5. EVPL will continue to follow best practices put forth by health officials to ensure our facilities are safe for library users and staff.

UPDATE: 9/8/2020

EVPL Red Bank will remain closed through at least Sunday, September 20 while additional staff undergo COVID-19 testing. Employees identified as having close contact with a person with lab-confirmed COVID-19 have been asked to self-isolate, work from home, and continue to complete daily health checks. EVPL Red Bank was sanitized today and will undergo additional cleaning before the location reopens. Again, EVPL is committed to following safety and health guidelines put forth by officials to ensure our facilities are safe for library users and staff.

UPDATE: 9/6/2020

EVPL Red Bank will be closed on September 8. An EVPL team member tested positive for COVID-19 who last worked at EVPL Red Bank on Thursday, September 3. Out of an abundance of caution, EVPL Red Bank will be closed Tuesday, September 8 for a deep cleaning. EVPL will continue to follow best practices put forth by health officials to ensure our facilities are safe for library users and staff.
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for understanding!

UPDATE: 7/15/2020

Per Executive Order 2020-1, face coverings are required to enter library premises.

UPDATE: 7/10/2020

Mayor Lloyd Winnecke announced a mask mandate for the city of Evansville beginning Wednesday, July 15. As Indiana gets Back On Track, it’s still important to practice safety precautions and healthy habits to protect our neighbors. Wearing a mask helps prevent someone who unknowingly has COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others. Our staff wear our masks for the EVPL community. Learn more about Gov. Holcomb’s initiative: https://bit.ly/2Zlu5A2

UPDATE: 7/2/2020

Beginning Monday, July 6, the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library will continue its phased reopening plan by opening four EVPL locations and a computer lab to the public.

EVPL McCollough, EVPL North Park, EVPL Oaklyn, EVPL Red Bank, and a computer lab placed in the Browning Rooms of EVPL Central will reopen to the public for limited hours throughout the week. The locations will be open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Library users will be limited to the Browning Rooms and Browning Room Hallway at EVPL Central.

EVPL To Go, our contactless curbside pickup service, will still be available at all eight locations. EVPL To Go hours for all eight library locations will be 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday.

EVPL users will notice a few differences since they last visited the library. As the health and safety of staff and community are our top priority, EVPL buildings and procedures have been modified to minimize the risk of potential exposure. Plexiglass has been placed in high-traffic interaction areas, including circulation and information desks. Distancing reminders have been placed throughout library locations, and furniture has been rearranged. Computer stations have been shifted to ensure social distancing and will be regularly disinfected. Meeting rooms and study rooms are closed to the community and staff.

Here’s what to expect at your next EVPL visit:

• All library users are encouraged to wear a face cover. Masks will be available for library users.
• Library users experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms are asked to not enter EVPL premises.
• Social distancing should be maintained.
• All printing must be picked up at the service desk.
• Toys, games, and puzzles will not be available.
• Multi-use print publications, including newspapers and magazines, will not be available at this time.
• Water fountains have been disabled. However, bottle-filling stations are being installed at all EVPL locations.
• Hand sanitizer and wipes will be available, and buildings will be routinely cleaned by EVPL staff.
• Materials must be returned to exterior drop boxes and will be quarantined for 72 hours before proper cleaning.

The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library will continue to monitor and navigate these unprecedented circumstances with the health and safety of our community in mind. Decisions will be informed by the latest science-based information, local, state, and federal directives, as well as Library Policies and will be done in collaboration with the EVPL Board of Trustees. More information about the reopening process can be found at evpl.org.

Community members are encouraged to continue utilizing EVPL’s digital collection, which includes thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, and more, available 24/7.

UPDATE: 6/2/2020

Learn about our new services:

• Book-A-Librarian: EVPL’s Book-A-Librarian service allows you to reserve appointments with librarians for up to one hour of uninterrupted, personalized reference, or technical assistance.
• EVPL Recommends: This recommendation service will allow you to schedule a time with a librarian to help you virtually browse the library to find your next book, CD, or DVD.
• Digital Resources: We have added a number of new digital resources which include:
  • RBdigital – we’ve expanded our collection of magazines available for checkout and thousands of eAudiobooks for all ages.
  • Tumblebooks – access education-focused eBooks for Elementary, Middle School, and High School students.
• EVPL on YouTube: For Storytimes, Tutorials, DIYs, and more, check out EVPL on YouTube.

UPDATE: 5/28/2020

EVPL To Go, a curbside pickup service, will begin at all eight locations on Monday, June 1. Any cardholder with holds ready for pickup is able to use the service. 

UPDATE: 5/21/2020

In anticipation of beginning EVPL To Go, a curbside pickup service, in the next few weeks, we are asking EVPL cardholders to return their borrowed library materials. Materials can be returned to any EVPL location and placed in any exterior dropbox.

UPDATE: 5/11/2020

In compliance with Executive Order 20-26, Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library has implemented the practices and procedures outlined below to ensure a safe environment for employees, library users, and our community.

Employee Health Screenings

All employees are asked to self-screen for symptoms of COVID-19 before leaving for each shift, upon arriving at their EVPL location, during their shift, and at the end of their shift. Symptom lists have been provided to all staff through multiple
avenues, including posted signage, personal self-scan lists, as well as through email and on
EVPL’s employee site. Employees who have identified symptoms, or who have had known close contact with a person who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19, are asked to notify their supervisor and leave EVPL premises.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocol

Personal Protective Equipment, COVID-19-recommended cleaning solutions, and additional cleaning and disinfectant products have been purchased and are being utilized to clean library locations and materials. Upon consulting with the Vanderburgh County Health Department, as well as following the guidance of local, state, and government officials, EVPL has implemented extensive multi-step processes for quarantining materials and cleaning of materials and other surfaces. EVPL staff have been provided with specialized training on the proper care and cleaning of materials and surfaces to ensure the health and safety of themselves, EVPL locations, and our community. Employees are required to watch training videos on: how to properly wash your hands, how to properly wear your mask, how to properly dispose of gloves, how to practice social distancing, and how to clean materials.

Availability of Hygiene Products

EVPL has purchased and made available higher quantities of hand soap, hand sanitizer, and other personal hygiene products.

Social Distancing and Face Coverings

All individuals are required to practice social distancing. Teams are responsible for identifying and/or creating work stations that uphold social distancing practices. If at any time an employee is uncomfortable due to an individual’s lack of social distancing practices, they are encouraged to politely speak up or speak to their supervisor.

All employees have been provided with a three-layer, reusable cloth mask and are highly encouraged to properly wear the
covering at all times.

UPDATE: 5/4/2020

Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library Administration in collaboration with the EVPL Board of Trustees, have a phased plan to resume services in stages. A reopening date has not been set.

At this time, EVPL locations and returned materials are undergoing a thorough cleaning and sanitization. Safeguards are being installed to ensure the safety of EVPL staff and users. Library staff will be returning to locations to prepare services, which will include EVPL To Go, a curbside pick-up service, in the coming weeks.

Library users are urged to continue to utilize EVPL’s digital collection, which includes thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, and more, available 24/7.

UPDATE: 3/18/2020

All EVPL locations will remain closed until further notice. This comes under the guidance of health experts and following procedures set by the Indiana State Department of Health and Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb.

All due dates will once again be extended and we encourage library users to keep their borrowed materials while we are closed. EVPL is fines free so library users will not have overdue fines.

Again, all EVPL programs, outreach services, Passport Services, and meeting room reservations have been suspended.

EVPL staff are working to bring library experiences to our community in a different capacity. Additional details will be released on our website and social media.

EVPL services can still be accessed through our digital portals. More digital resources are being added to our collection. There are thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, and more, available 24/7.

For more information on how to reduce your risk of exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit the Indiana State Department of Health.

UPDATE: 3/13/2020

While EVPL locations are closed, we encourage you to keep your borrowed materials.

All due dates have been extended. Additionally, EVPL is fines free. You will NOT have overdue fines accruing during this time.

Any holds left on our shelves after 5:00 pm Friday, March 13 will still be there when we plan to reopen on Monday, March 30.

Sign up for an eMaterials EVPL Newsletter to receive title recommendations that can be accessed digitally while EVPL is closed.

UPDATE 3/12/2020

All EVPL locations will close effective Saturday, March 14 tentatively through Sunday, March 29. We will continue to evaluate the situation during this closure and will determine if we have to extend the duration of the closure.

All EVPL programs, outreach services, Passport Services, and meeting room reservations will also be suspended during this time.

While closed, all EVPL locations will be sanitized and cleaned.

UPDATE 3/12/2020

All EVPL programs, outreach services, and meeting room reservations have been suspended until further notice.

EVPL would like to share how we are addressing concerns over Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our public spaces:

• Elevated cleaning measures in all our buildings
• Signs in public spaces to remind staff and library users of proper hand and respiratory hygiene (from the CDC).
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Use tissues and throw them away.
  • Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer every time you touch your mouth or nose.
• We have encouraged staff to stay home if they feel ill or are experiencing symptoms.

Additionally, please remember that libraries are shared public spaces. For the health and safety of others, please be thoughtful about coming into an EVPL location if you are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms.

COVID-19 Symptoms

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Steps to Prevent Illness

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is making updates to its website as new information becomes available. You can sign up to receive updates by email.

If you experience symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath and have a recent history of travel to China or contact with someone suspected of having COVID-19 please contact the ISDH Epidemiology Resource Center:

• 317.233.7125
• 317.233.1325 after hours
•  epiresource@isdh.in.gov

US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
The CDC works to protect America from health, safety and security threats, including fighting diseases and supporting communities and citizens to do the same.

World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO works worldwide to promote health and safety by identifying and responding to health emergencies, especially in vulnerable communities.

Digital Collection

If you would like to stay home but still want to utilize EVPL resources, you can borrow from our extensive digital collection of eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, movies, music, and more.

• OverDrive: Delve into an eBook or audiobook on your internet-enabled device.
• Hoopla: Browse comics, eBooks, eAudiobooks, TV, movies, and music on your computer or internet-enabled device.
• RBDigital: Choose from over 150+ magazines on your computer or internet-enabled device.
• Comics Plus: Discover comics, manga, and graphic novels on your computer or internet-enabled device.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fact Sheet (Spanish)

Coronavirus (COVD-19) Fact Sheet (French)