Dear Pratt Library customer,

This is a very unsettling time and we’re making some hard decisions that we feel are in the best interest of our customers and staff. I want to thank you all for your support and patience as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve. We have been working closely with health officials.

ALL LIBRARIES CLOSED

All Pratt Library locations will close to the public at 5pm on Friday, March 13. Libraries are naturally places that people congregate, which makes it difficult for us to support social distancing. We know that people rely on our libraries, and this is an incredibly difficult decision. The Library is working with city officials to see how our buildings could be utilized by emergency responders during this time. While our physical buildings will be closed to the public, that does NOT mean a shutdown of library services.

DIGITAL RESOURCES

The Pratt eLibrary is always open to provide eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming movies, and TV shows. We also provide resources for children who are out of school. Online tutors are standing by thanks to our Brainfuse service. While story times are on hold, you can access Bookflix which provides early literacy eBooks and videos. Adults can get free online college-level learning using our Gale Courses or learn a new language using Mango. 

Anyone who doesn’t have a library card can access the Pratt eCard from home and begin using these services.

RETURNING BOOKS & RENEWALS

Customers can hold on to library books they already have until library service hours are fully restored. All cards that are up for renewal will remain active.

LOOKING FORWARD

The Pratt Library will continue to evaluate its response to COVID-19 with the guidance of health officials. We will continue to look for innovative solutions to provide service to our community. Customers can stay up to date on any changes to library services through our website. You can also follow the Library on Facebook and Twitter for the latest.

Thank you for your understanding,

Heidi Daniel
Pratt Library President & CEO

Dear Pratt Library customer,

I’m sure many of you have been following the COVID-19 spread carefully. We have been communicating regularly with the City Health Department. I want to alert you to some key changes the Library will be making to protect the health and safety of our customers and staff.

ALL PUBLIC PROGRAMS CANCELLED

The Pratt Library will cancel all public programs until March 31. Given recommendations from top health officials, we feel this is in the best interest of keeping both our staff and customers safe. Large-scale programs such as CityLit Festival and Imagination Celebration will be rescheduled. We will reassess the situation at the end of the month.

ALL LIBRARIES REMAIN OPEN

All Pratt Library locations will remain open with standard operating hours. Our Facilities teams continue to follow the CDC Guidelines for Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection to keep our buildings clean. In addition, disposable wipes have been provided to Pratt staff to wipe down “high touch” surfaces. Additional hand sanitizer is also being distributed.

BOOKS AND DIGITAL RESOURCES

Many digital resources are available to our customers from their own homes. Our eLibrary contains downloadable eBook and eAudiobooks. We also have a number of streaming services for both TV and movies. Educational databases are available for both children and adults. The Pratt has also issued a new eCard that can be accessed online. We’ll also be expanding our Books by Mail program.

LOOKING FORWARD

The Pratt Library will continue to evaluate its response to COVID-19 with the guidance of health officials. Customers can stay up to date on any changes to library services through our website. You can also follow the Library on Facebook and Twitter for the latest.

Heidi Daniel
Pratt Library President & CEO