RSV, COVID, and Flu Information
November 30, 2022
Over the last several weeks, HPLD has been forwarded various resources, articles, and we’ve gotten a few questions about the upcoming winter and cold/flu/virus season.
We wanted to share some resources as well as some helpful tips for library use that can keep you and your loved ones as safe as possible.
For starters: There are no plans to change any of our requirements or ways of doing business at this time. We will stay up-to-date and informed about what’s going on, and at this time, the plan is to carry on as we have been.
The best information we’ve received comes from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and it’s in the form of an information toolkit available here in:
As for library use:
- We offer curbside service, and in addition, our Riverside location in Evans has drive-up service available during all open hours.
- We also have a bundle service that will select options based on your preferences. That makes a library trip much faster, and you can be in and out quickly (or combine this service with curbside pickup for a completely contactless option).
- Digital resources are a great option if you are unable to come into the library. We have books, music, movies, and magazines, all available digitally.
- We are still hosting several online events.
- Checking Google listings for your favorite libraries should give you a good idea of our most and least crowded times. Often, the first hour we’re open on a given day is a pretty good bet for some of the least crowded times. Sundays tend to be one of our busiest, most patron-dense days.
- Most of our locations have masks and rapid COVID tests available. Not all locations have inventory all the time, so before you come to get one, call 1-888-861-7323 and we can check for you.
- All libraries should have hand sanitizer available as well as well-stocked, clean restrooms. If you notice an issue with any of these things, for example, a restroom with no soap in dispensers, please let the staff know.
- HPLD staff and patrons share the same restrictions: masks and vaccines are not required. Masks are worn by some staff and some patrons, and both masked and unmasked individuals are welcome in our buildings.
As for keeping your neighbors safe:
If you’re sick and can put off coming into the library until you’re feeling better, we’d greatly appreciate it. If we can keep our staff as healthy as possible, we can continue to provide service without interruption.
In almost all cases, we can do things like extend holds and renew items, just call 1-888-861-7323 and let the person on the phone know you could use an extension.
CDPHE has created this isolation timeline as a suggestion for how long you should consider isolating after testing COVID positive. If you’re not sure how long you should isolate, this might give you some tips.
If and when anything changes, we’ll keep you posted!