Randolph County libraries close in response to Coronavirus/COVOID-19 threat; some services continue

ASHEBORO – In view of the threat presented by Coronavirus/COVOID-19, and to help ensure the safety of the community, the Randolph County Public Library is closed till further notice – but plenty of resources are still available to readers and researchers.

All seven library locations are closed, including Archdale, Asheboro, Franklinville, Liberty, Randleman, Ramseur and Seagrove. Outreach and mobile library services also have been halted.

“Libraries bring people together, but now the imperative for public health is to keep people apart,” said Library Director Ross Holt.

While patrons can’t visit the libraries, they can take advantage of the panoply of online and downloadable resources, including ebooks, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, genealogy databases like Heritage Quest and Historical North Carolina Newspapers, and more. The NC KIDS Digital Library and Tumble Book Library will keep children in ebooks and online reading activities.

Those offerings are available at www.randolphlibrary.org/digitalmedia.html, and www.randquest.org.

Library phones will be staffed from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; call 336-318-6800 for general questions, help downloading ebooks and other online resources, and research assistance.

People who don’t have a library card can register for one by phone in order to access online resources.

The library may add other services, such as curbside pickup of requested items and storytimes via social media, in coming days.

“We will do every bit as much as we can to support our patrons, while doing all that is necessary to safeguard the health and safety of public and staff,” Holt said. “This difficult situation one day will end, and we will come back stronger than ever.”