Free COVID-19 Tests Available At Heights Libraries

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Free, at-home COVID-19 testing kits are being distributed by the Heights Libraries.

Testing kits are available to any adult who needs one, a library spokesperson said.

The kits include the Abbott BinaxNOW Rapid COVID-19 antigen tests. The kits were provided to the Heights Libraries by the Ohio Department of Health.

“Testing alone is not going to end the pandemic, but public libraries can help make the kits easily accessible to their communities and fight COVID-19," the Ohio Library Council said in a statement.

To use the kit, customer must have access to the following:

• Windows or Mac/Apple laptop with a webcam (or a desktop computer with an adjustable/ moveable webcam), microphone, and speaker.
• An Apple phone/tablet or an Android phone/tablet.
• An email address.
• An internet connection.

Heights Libraries staff cannot offer guidance on test taking and customers cannot take the test in library buildings.

Testing kits can be requested inside a library, during business hours, or via curbside pickup by calling any of the branches. Customers may request multiple test kits and may return for additional tests.

Here are the phone numbers for the Heights Libraries:

• Coventry Branch: 216-321-3400
• Lee Road Branch: 216-932-3600
• Noble Branch: 216-291-5665
• University Heights Branch: 216-321-4700

Gov. Mike DeWine said he wants testing kits to be readily accessible in every Ohio county. To distribute these kits, he's relying on Ohio's public libraries, including the Heights Libraries.