Dear friends,

Though the State Library does not have the authority to direct public libraries to close during this health crisis, the Montana State Library supports a library's decision to close physical library buildings and to shift staff focus for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak. We acknowledge that COVID-19 is a public health crisis and libraries should do their part to reduce the potential for spread. That said, this health crisis affects more than just the physical health of those who are sickened, it is affecting the social, emotional, educational and economic health of all of us. These concerns are ones in which libraries, too, must do their part to mitigate. Rather than halt services, the State Library encourages library staff to continue to provide library services to the extent possible through:

* Home delivery of library materials

* Online and telephone reference services

* Online programming, especially in support of students and families impacted by school closures and homeschoolers.

* Increased provision of Econtent services

* Social media outreach and community engagement

* Other services identified as essential to your communities

Any decision to close physical buildings should be informed by current information from local officials and in consideration of the impacts to affect staff and patrons. While it may be necessary to limit physical access to our buildings, library staff still have an obligation to do what we can to ensure the well-being of our patrons and communities.

For current information on the status of services from Montana public libraries please visit: http://arcg.is/0ynjS9 [arcg.is]. This information is linked from the Montana State Library home page and is included on the State of Montana COVID-19 site, http://covid19.mt.gov.

The State Library is fully operational and available to assist you with any service questions or concerns.

Jennie

State Librarian

Montana State Library

PO Box 201800

Helena, MT 59620

406.444.3116

Jstapp2@mt.gov