Update: Oak Park Library To Stay Closed Longer Due To COVID-19

OAK PARK, IL — The Oak Park Library's main branch won't reopen to the public as initially thought after all.

The library had originally planned to close its main branch until Thursday after a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus. However, library officials announced over the weekend that its main branch will remain closed for 30 days, starting Monday, Nov. 16.

The move comes as more health advisories for Chicago and suburban Cook County have been issued, library officials said.

"Both advisories go into effect at 6 a.m. Monday and last 30 days. To do our part in helping slow the spread of this virus, we have adjusted our plan," library officials said via social media.

State health officials on Monday reported 11,632 new cases of the coronavirus and 37 more deaths from COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus. That's a few thousand shy of the 15,415 new case record set last week, but still higher than the previous peak in May.

Altogether, more than half a million Illinoisans have now caught the virus, more than 10,000 have died, and hospitalizations have rocketed to all-time highs.

In Cook County, there have been 119,292 cases and 2,620 deaths to date.

During the library's closure, only digital and virtual services will be available to patrons through Dec. 16.

After the 30 days, library officials said they will determine—based on the environment and any subsequent orders and advisories—whether to reopen the main library on Dec. 16.

In the meantime, library officials said staff will continue to answer patron questions remotely (with expanded remote customer service hours coming Nov. 23) to ensure they have full access to services and the support you may need to use them.

Physical materials checkouts, including in-person and contact-free holds pickup, will not be available. There will be no delivery services, and the parking garage will also be closed.

For the time being, library officials ask patrons to:

• Ignore all SWAN notifications (texts and emails).
• Keep their library items. The library is extending due dates, and remember, there is no fine fee.
• Know their holds are waiting. (If you were already notified, your items will be here for pickup when the building reopens.)

While the building is closed, staff are working remotely to answer questions. For patrons with questions, visit oppl.org/contact. They can also use the library's live chat service, accessible via oppl.org, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Patrons can also call 708-383-8200 and leave a message. A library staff member will return calls as soon as possible.