In an effort to decrease risk among customers and staff during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, all Missouri River Regional Library buildings and outreach services (including the bookmobile) will be closed after 9:00pm on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 until further notice. This has been a difficult decision for the Library, but it has been made considering all of the best advice from federal and state public health officials.

We know that libraries are vital hubs in our communities, so our default is to assume we should be open to serve especially in difficult times. But we also value the well-being of our customers and staff above all else. All of the information we have received from the public health community suggests that well-being is best served by a period of social distancing. The only way we can ensure that in our libraries is by closing our facilities.

All due dates will be extended and overdue fines from March 18, 2020 on will be waived until we reopen. We will be closing book drops, so please keep your materials until the Library reopens.

While the physical libraries are closed we would encourage everyone who is able to access the virtual library. MRRL has a large digital collection that includes:

eBooks and eAudiobooks

Online Resources and Databases, including language learning, digital story books, webinars, and more.

From Wednesday March 18-Friday March 20, curbside pickup for holds will be available at both the Jefferson City and Linn locations. When patrons arrive at the library location, call (573) 634-2464 and a member of the staff will check out the items and bring them to the patron’s vehicle. Please have your library card ready when you call, and do not utilize this service if you are unwell.

Please note that the Library is unable to comprehensively sanitize every single item that is checked out from its branches (books, movies, etc.), and as such, customers are advised to wash their hands after handling materials and avoid touching their faces. That said, the World Health Organization has reported that there is conflicting evidence of how long the virus may persist on surfaces, especially under varying conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.).

 For more information about COVID-19, here are reliable resources with the latest news and recommendations:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO) – Here are WHO’s top tips:
  • Wash your hands often and thoroughly (20-second rule).
  • Maintain social distancing (at least three feet from anyone who is coughing or sneezing).
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • If you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, call your doctor.
• Cole County Health Department
• Osage County Health Department