Heights Libraries Coronavirus Updates

March 8, 2022

In accordance with updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding counties that are no longer considered at high risk for COVID, Heights Libraries is no longer requiring that customers wear masks in our four buildings. This decision was approved by the Library Board of Trustees at the Monday, March 7, Board Committee meeting.

According to the CDC COVID data tracker, Cuyahoga County is now considered a medium risk county as hospital admissions and the total number of COVID cases are decreasing; the CDC also states that healthy, vaccinated residents living in low and medium risk counties can discontinue wearing masks.

Staff will continue to wear masks until further notice.

January 18, 2022

We are pleased to announce we are opening our buildings again for regular services starting Wednesday, January 19.

However, until further notice, hours will be limited to the following at every branch:

Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 – 5 p.m.

Also please note:

In-person programs have been canceled until further notice.
Virtual and take-and-make programs (crafts, etc.) will continue.
Meeting rooms at all branches will remain closed to the public until further notice.
We will still provide curbside service to those who request it.
Our supply of masks is running very low. Please remember to bring your own masks to our buildings. Once we run out, you will need to supply your own to enter our buildings.
Customers MUST wear a mask over BOTH their nose and mouth in our buildings. We will give one reminder; after that you will be told to leave the building for the day, no exceptions.

Please watch our website for updates, and thank you for your patience and support.

December 28, 2021

Curbside and phone services will continue, hours will change and expand

Beginning Tuesday, January 4, curbside service at all branches will be as follows:

Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 – 5 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: You no longer need to call first. Just pull up and give staff your name.

These hours will continue through Tuesday, January 18, when the Library will reassess the situation in regards to staffing and COVID infection rates.

December 21, 2021

Temporary curbside-only services begin Tuesday, December 21

In response to COVID-19 cases among staff and a current staffing shortage, Heights Libraries is temporarily returning to curbside services and limited hours for the next two weeks, hoping to return to normal hours and services on Monday, January 3. This will allow time for staff under quarantine to return to work, and for staff schedules to be reconfigured to best use available staff.

Additionally, all branches will be closed for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays on the following days: Friday-Sunday, December 24-26; and Friday – Sunday, December 31 – January 2.

Beginning Tuesday, Dec. 21, hours at all branches will be 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and the following services will be available:

Curbside pick-up of materials, including current holds.

Call the branch circulation department and confirm your materials are ready at your branch. (PLEASE do not arrive before you take this step):

Coventry (216) 321-3400, ext 1310
Lee Road (216) 932-3600, ext 1213
Noble (216) 291-5665, ext 1320
University Heights (216) 321-4700, ext 1302

Phone reference
Each of our branches has its own main number (see above and below) that you can call during business hours to be connected to a reference librarian.

Printing services
Call your preferred branch for instructions.

Coventry Village Branch: (216) 321-3400, ext. 1306
Lee Road Branch: (216) 932-3600, ext. 1204
Noble Neighborhood Branch: (216) 291-5665, ext. 1307
University Heights Branch: (216) 321-4700, ext. 1308

August 3, 2021

At the Monday, August 2, committee meeting of the Heights Libraries Board of Trustees, the Board voted to once again require that library staff and customers (over two years of age) wear masks in all Heights Libraries buildings. The requirement will go into effect Friday, August 6, and be in effect until further notice.

The decision was made for the following reasons:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a statement that the Delta variant of COVID-19 is prevalent in all 50 states;
According to the CDC COVID Data Tracker, Cuyahoga County has a substantial rate of COVID transmission and COVID cases in the county have increased by 42.62% in the last seven days; and
The CDC had been recommending that people who have not received a COVID vaccine wear a mask at all times, and it is now also recommending in areas of “substantial” or high risk of transmission that fully vaccinated people also wear a mask in indoor settings.

Customers are still welcome to use computers, use study rooms, browse, and spend time in our buildings.

Customers who do not wish to wear masks may call their branch for the following services:

curbside pick-up at any of our four buildings,
mail delivery of materials, and
emailing documents for printing

May 27, 2021

Heights Libraries will continue to require all customers and staff to wear their masks until the state mandate is lifted on June 2. According to Governor DeWine, unvaccinated people must still wear masks indoors. After June 2, if you have not been vaccinated yet, please wear your mask inside our buildings. All Heights Libraries staff will continue to wear masks until further notice.

May 7, 2021

Library Loosens COVID Restrictions, Returns to Pre-COVID Hours

On Monday, May 10, in light of increasing vaccination rates and Governor Mike DeWine’s cautious loosening of Ohio’s quarantine guidelines, Heights Libraries will be expanding services at all branches. In addition, all branches will return to their pre-COVID hours.

On May 10, the Lee Road branch will return to the following hours:
Monday – Friday 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.

The Coventry, Noble, and University Heights branches will return to the following hours:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 1 p.m.–9 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.

Here’s an updated FAQ of what you can do starting Monday, May 10:

Do I still have to wear a mask?
Yes! Customers age 10 and older must wear a mask in our buildings, with both your nose and mouth covered. It must remain on your face while you are in the building.

Can I use a computer?
Yes! Public computer use at all branches will no longer require a reservation, and guest passes will once again be available for users without a library card.

Can I reserve a study room?
Yes! Private study rooms at the Lee Road and University Heights branches will be available again. Call the branch to make a reservation. Users must keep their masks on while in the room.

Can I sit in the building now?
Yes! A limited number of tables and chairs will be returned to public areas at all branches; all furniture will be spaced at least six feet apart.

Can I make copies and send faxes?
Yes! Copy and fax machines are available.

Can my kids play in the play areas?
Not yet. It is very difficult for young children to understand, and engage in, social distancing. But you are welcome to sit in the children’s area and read with your child.

Can I get help from a reference staff person?
Yes! Reference staff can answer your questions. They will stay behind a Plexiglass shield while they do so.

Can I reserve a meeting room?
We are not allowing use of the meeting rooms at this time.

Can I eat and drink in the library?
No. We are not allowing food and drink in our buildings at this time.

March 22, 2021

Library Providing Free Take-Home COVID-19 Tests

Heights Libraries will be providing free at-home COVID-19 rapid testing kits to any adult in the community who needs one beginning Tuesday, March 23. Read more.

February 13, 2021

All Branches Will Re-Open for Limited Services on Tuesday, February 16

All Heights Libraries buildings will reopen for browsing, computer use, copying, and faxing on Tuesday, February 16. Masks that cover nose and mouth and adherence to social distancing guidelines are still required for admittance to our buildings. Curbside pick-up will still be available by request. Call your preferred branch to arrange a pick-up. We are also expanding our hours until further notice.

New temporary hours at all branches are as follows:

Sunday	1-5 p.m.
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Wednesday	9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday	9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday	9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday	9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Reopening FAQ

Do I still have to wear a mask?
Yes! You must wear a mask in our buildings, with both your nose and mouth covered. It must remain on your face while you are in the building, no exceptions. If you choose not to wear a mask, we can offer curbside pick-up, and put items in your car trunk. Call your preferred branch to arrange.

How long can I stay in the building?
Please stay only as long as you need to get your materials. To achieve safe social distancing, we are limiting the number of customers in the buildings. If a staff member thinks an area is too crowded, or we have customers waiting to come in, we may ask you to move along so that others may enter the building.

Can I use a computer?
Yes! But you must have a library card. We are not offering guest passes at this time. Click here for details about computer use.

Can I make copies and send faxes?
Yes! Copy and fax machines are available.

Where are the chairs and tables?
To discourage customers from staying too long and congregating in groups, we have removed the tables and chairs.

Can my kids play in the play areas?
Not yet. It is very difficult for young children to understand, and engage in, social distancing. And at this time, we do not want customers to linger in the buildings.

Can I get help from a reference staff person?
Yes! Reference staff can answer your questions. They will stay behind a Plexiglass shield while they do so. If your questions require extensive research, staff may ask for your phone number or email address so they can contact you with the information at a later time.

Can I reserve a study room?
We are not allowing use of the study rooms at this time.

Can I reserve a meeting room?
We are not allowing use of the meeting rooms at this time.

Can I use the restroom?
Yes! Restrooms are open to the public.

Can I still eat and drink in the library?
No. We require that everyone keep a mask over their nose and mouth at all times.

January 13, 2021

Building Shutdowns Will Continue Until Further Notice

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, all Heights Libraries buildings will remain closed to the public until further notice. Curbside, phone, and online services will continue.

December 10, 2020

Building Shutdowns Extended to January 19

Due to Governor Mike DeWine’s new 21-day COVID-19 safety protocol for Ohio residents, all Heights Libraries buildings will remain closed to the public until at least January 19. Curbside, phone, and online services will continue.

November 19, 2020

Heights Libraries Switching to Curbside, Phone, and Online Service

Due to the November 18, 2020, stay-at-home advisory from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, all Heights Libraries buildings will be closed to the public until at least December 17, which reflects the timeline of the County’s health advisory. This was not an easy decision, and not one that Library leadership made lightly.

But starting tomorrow, Friday, November 20, we will continue to serve you with curbside pick-up of materials, phone reference, printing, and online services.

August 24, 2020

The Return of Browsing and Computer Use

Heights Libraries is pleased to announce it will be expanding services in its four buildings in September to include browsing and limited computer use. Computer use will begin Tuesday, September 15, and browsing will begin the following week, Tuesday September 22.

Due to COVID-19, however, computer use and browsing will look different due to safeguards in place to keep customers and staff as safe as possible.

Computer use will require a reservation, and reservations may only be made by phone–walk-ups and online reservations are not available at this time. Computer use will also now require a library card—guest passes will not be available. Customers may make a reservation by calling (216) 932-3600, ext. 1221, starting September 10 at 1:30 p.m. Use is limited to one computer session per day, and sessions last for 45 minutes.

Browsing will be permitted in all sections–Adult, Teen, and Children’s—but customers will be asked to stay only as long as they need to get their materials. To achieve safe social distancing, the Library is limiting the number of customers in the buildings, and has removed chairs and tables to discourage lingering. If a staff member thinks an area is too crowded, they will ask customers to move along so that others may enter the building. Reference staff will be at reference desks again, but will assist customers from behind Plexiglas barriers.

Reopening FAQ

Why do things at the library keep changing?
Right? It’s confusing! The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. Public health authorities are learning new things seemingly every day. This information has an impact on what activities and services are, and are not, considered safe. As this information changes, we must update and change our policies, too, to keep customers and staff safe.

Do I still have to wear a mask?
Yes! You must wear a mask in our buildings, with both your nose and mouth covered. It must remain on your face while you are in the building.

Can I use a computer?
Yes! But you must make a reservation in advance, and have a library card. We will not offer guest passes at this time. Click here for details.

Where are the chairs and tables?
To discourage customers from staying too long and congregating in groups, we have removed the tables and chairs.

Can I reserve a study room?
We are not allowing use of the study rooms at this time.

Can I reserve a meeting room?
We are not allowing use of the meeting rooms at this time.

Can I use the restroom?
Yes! Restrooms are now open to the public.

Can I still eat and drink in the library?
No. To discourage lingering, we have removed all chairs and tables, so we are not allowing food and drink in our buildings at this time.

June 8, 2020

What to Expect in the Lobby

Starting June 2 at the Lee Road branch (June 9 at the Coventry, Noble, and University Heights branches), we will transition from curbside holds pickup service to limited lobby services during the following hours:

Tuesday and Thursday, 1:30 – 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 12-5 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, SENIORS ONLY, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: For the Lee Road branch, seniors should enter from the parking lot during senior hours.

Customers must wear face masks to enter the lobby, and remain six feet away from staff and other customers at all times by following the red guides on the floor. Thank you for your cooperation as we serve you while staying safe! Read more.

Update May 22, 2020

Heights Libraries Cuts Budget by $ 2 million

At its May 18 meeting, the Heights Libraries Board of Trustees approved a cost-reduction plan designed to trim the library’s budget by $2 million in the second half of fiscal year 2020. The library’s 2020 budget is $11,585,412 and will hit the half-way point on June 1.

“The library is anticipating severe funding cuts in the near future,” said Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin. “Ohio’s Public Library Fund has been reduced by roughly 35 percent, and we are expecting property tax collection to fall sharply. The majority of our funding, over 80 percent, comes from these two sources.”

The Library will cut $800,000 from the budget in four areas: materials, purchased services (such as staff training), land and building improvements, and supplies. The remaining $1.2 million will come from cutting salaries and benefits, including a 10-percent salary cut for all full-time management staff and a 14-percent salary cut for the director.

Update May 14, 2020

Heights Libraries Prepares for a Partial Reopening

Heights Libraries is pleased to announce that it will begin offering limited services at the Lee Road branch the week of May 18, and has also started preparing its four branches for a partial reopening, scheduled for June 2 at Lee Road and June 9 for the Coventry, Noble, and University Heights branches.

On Monday, May 18, the Lee Road branch will begin to offer three services: curbside holds pick-ups, phone reference, and homebound delivery.

Phone reference services will begin on May 18 and be available Monday-Friday, 9a.m. – 5 p.m. (No reference service on May 25, Memorial Day.) Phone reference supplements online reference services, that began on April 27 through the library’s website. Homebound delivery, which was suspended after the closing on March 13, will also start again on May 18.

Update April 20, 2020

Statement from the Heights Libraries Board of Trustees

April 20, 2020

Dear Community Members,

On March 13, following guidelines from the state of Ohio, the Board of Trustees of the Heights Libraries closed its doors to the public.

However, while the buildings are closed, our staff are still busy serving the community in many ways. They have continued to make some services available by relying on online activities such as online reference services through the website, virtual storytimes on social media, and the many digital resources collections available through CLEVNET and through our own online databases such as Hoopla, Acorn TV, and Kanopy.

They have also been hard at work reaching out via social media postings, blog posts, podcasts, and eNewsletters containing suggestions for how to weather the closings with young children at home, how to use Zoom for meetings, and how to avoid scams that have surfaced during the pandemic. In addition to providing as many services as possible during closure, all staff members have also been instructed to use this time to complete learning goals and strategic goals. READ MORE.

Update April 1, 2020

Following Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton’s executive order closing schools until at least May 1, the Heights Libraries will also remain closed during that same time, and will remain closed as long as Dr. Acton and Ohio Mike DeWine recommend that the schools stay closed. Read more here.

Heights Libraries Closure FAQ

All Heights Libraries branches are closed until further notice. This was not an easy decision, and not one that Library leadership made lightly.

Heights Libraries wants the community to know that the health and safety of our customers and staff is our top priority. We will continue to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and messages from the Centers for Disease Control, the State of Ohio, and the County Health Department.

Are all 4 Heights Libraries buildings closed?

Yes. The Coventry Village, Lee Road, Noble Neighborhood, and University Heights branches are closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Do you have any idea when you will be open again?

We do not know when our buildings will reopen. We will be closely monitoring information from Governor DeWine’s office and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) about the situation and will abide by the directives and recommendations of the ODH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What if I have items due?

We have locked all book drops, so are asking customers to hold on to items until further notice. Overdue fines will be suspended during the closure, and no accounts will be sent to collections during the closure.

What if I have items on hold?

While you cannot pick up hold items at this time, holds items will be held during the closure; they will NOT be sent back.

What if my library card expired/is going to expire?

If your library card expired/will expire after September 19, 2019, it has been (or will be) automatically renewed, so you can still access online materials.

What kinds of services are you still offering?

All of our online and digital services are available 24/7 via our website. We also have free WiFi that can be accessed in our parking lots and near our buildings. We are assessing what other services we may be able to offer. Please watch our Facebook page and website for updates.

Why did you close all the buildings?

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton closed all schools and recommended that gatherings of 100 or more be canceled. Social distancing is the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19, and our buildings are heavily used and get very crowded. We anticipated crowds in our buildings would only increase with the closing of schools and other major institutions such as museums.

We will continue to put updates on our website and social media, and will also send out updates via eblast.

Customers are asked to keep their items (books, DVDs, CDs), as book drops will be locked. Their will be no fines during this closure, and we will not send customers to collections until further notice.

We encourage you to do everything you can to stay healthy including:

washing your hands frequently
avoiding touching your face
staying home unless you absolutely need to leave your house for essentials like food and medicine, or because you have to work or care for a loved one

For accurate, up-to-date information, visit the following public health agency websites: