March 12, 2020

A Message from the Executive Director

As many of you know, Washington State is currently experiencing an outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including confirmed cases in Yakima County.

In light of the outbreak, Yakima Valley Libraries is proactively taking measures to ensure the health and well-being of our patrons and employees, both at home and within our community libraries.

Here is what you need to know about YVL’s response to the novel coronavirus:

• Community Libraries: All Yakima Valley Libraries locations are currently open and operating as normal.
• Outreach Services: Out of an abundance of caution, and effective immediately, our Outreach Services Department (OS), which serves homebound patrons and residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, has suspended all services until further notice.

In the event of additional coronavirus-related changes to library services or operations, patrons can expect to be notified via our website (www.yvl.org), local media outlets, and our social media page.

But please rest assured that we are already evaluating and adjusting some of our procedures in light of coronavirus concerns.

In the short-term, library staff are taking steps to more frequently clean and sanitize surfaces throughout our buildings (such as touch-screens, computer keyboards, and door handles); these efforts are in addition to regular cleaning performed by our public service and janitorial staff.

In addition, we are closely monitoring updates released by the Yakima Health District, the Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As we work toward maintaining hygienic public spaces, we are also encouraging the greater Yakima Valley community to work together to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.

While there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease (COVID-19), according to the CDC there are many steps we can all take to protect ourselves and others, such as:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Putting distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.
• Staying home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

There is still much uncertainty with regard to the coronavirus outbreak and we understand that many of you may have questions or concerns.

For the most accurate and reliable information, please visit any of the following websites:

• Washington State Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• The World Health Organization (WHO)
• Yakima Health District

Finally, please know that Yakima Valley Libraries remains committed to our mission to serve the community to the best of our ability; and, as a reminder, YVL offers a variety of online resources that you can access from your desktop, tablet or mobile device, such as e-books, digital magazines, and streaming video.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this evolving situation together.

Sincerely,

Kim Hixson, Executive Director

Yakima Valley Libraries