COVID-19 Resources

Current COVID-19 Library Status

All Library locations are open for limited hours. When coming to the Library, we ask that your visit is brief – come in, browse the collection, grab what you need, and take your items home to enjoy.

According to the Governor’s guidelines, the Library can open to the public with certain restrictions. There are several conditions we need to adhere to in order to meet social distancing guidelines to keep our staff, patrons, and materials safe.

For more information, visit our reopening page.

COVID-19 Information

The outbreak of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) raises many concerns for Palatine Library and the surrounding district. The health and safety of staff and library users is our top priority and we wanted to share our proactive approach in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

Precautionary Health Measures:

  • Additional wipes and hand sanitizer for staff and public areas.
  • Implemented elevated cleaning and sanitizing measures on surfaces such as railings, doorknobs, elevator buttons, etc…
  • Continuing to encourage staff, volunteers, and visitors to stay home if they are ill or have a fever.
  • Share health information about proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette with staff and library users.

Library administration is keeping a close eye on developments regarding COVID-19. We are in communication with local government and public health officials. We are prepared with a set of responses, including modifying services, to be implemented as needed. Please check this page, our social media channels, or signage in the Library for updates.

Limit the Spread of Illness (Source: Cook County Department of Public Health)

In addition to getting vaccinated for flu, encourage family members to take these common-sense measures to protect against the flu and other respiratory illnesses.

Practice the three C’s to stay healthy and prevent germs from spreading at home, work, and school:

  1. Clean: Properly wash your hands frequently
  2. Cover: Cover your cough and sneeze
  3. Contain: Contain your germs by staying home if you are sick

Reliable information to stay informed

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Summary

Cook County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Information

For Kids:

Comic: Easy to read comic that explain what kids might want to know about COVID-19

Video: BrainPOP video for kids to educate kids and alleviate their fears

Previous COVID-19 Library Updates

*CLOSURE UPDATE April 1*

Due to the extended Governor’s stay-at-home order, all Palatine Public Library District facilities will remain closed until further notice. Please do not return your Library materials until the Library reopens. There will not be any late penalties. Watch the website and social media for updates.

March 25

Due to an abundance of caution and the Governor’s stay-at-home order, all Palatine Public Library District facilities will remain closed through April 8. Please do not return your Library materials until the Library reopens. There will not be any late penalties. Watch the website and social media for updates.  

March 16

Gov. J.B. Pritzker recommended canceling all events of 50 or more people for the next eight weeks, based on CDC recommendations. The CDC also recommends canceling events of 10 or more for “vulnerable populations,” which includes the elderly.In response, all library programs at all locations are canceled through Sunday, May 10.

However, the Census Open Lab sessions are still open: April 2, 9, 19, and 26. See calendar

March 13

12:30 pm

Due to an abundance of caution and in response to COVID-19, Palatine Public Library District is closing all library locations beginning Saturday, March 14 through Sunday, March 29. For the Primary Election, the Main building will ONLY be open for voting on Tuesday, March 17. Library materials may be kept until the Library reopens with no late penalties. Watch the website and social media for updates.

10:00 am

Due to an abundance of caution and in response to COVID-19, Palatine Public Library District is canceling all programming at all locations and outreach services from Saturday, March 14 through March 29. Groups who have reserved our meeting rooms are encouraged to reschedule their meetings. Watch the website and social media for updates.

COVID-19 Information

Center For Disease Control

Also available in other languages

Report Price Gouging

Illinois Attorney General

Click the form to change the language to Spanish to report price gouging

State of Illinois Coronavirus Response

Illinois Department of Public Health

Click tab of main information to translate to Spanish

Illinois Coronavirus Disease Hotline

If you have any questions regarding the Coronavirus, please call (800) 889-3931 or email DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV

Cook County Department of Health

Click 'Change Language' at the top right of page to translate to Spanish and other languages

Map of COVID-19 Cases in Cook County

The President's Coronavirus Guidelines for America

World Health Organization