The Library and COVID-19

This page will be updated with new information as we have it.

With our libraries closed to the public amid the COVID-19 situation, we wanted to make sure that our patrons know about their options for accessing library services and learning resources without visiting our physical sites. We care very much about our patrons, so we’re working to make sure that we can still have resources available to everyone.

• Resources available online
• Library services during the closures
• What about late fees?
• Event / program cancellations

Here’s the latest updates

• The Bryan + College Station Library System will be closed through through April 7, 2020, due to the shelter-in-place order for all residents to further reduce the virus exposure.
• The library system has extended due dates on library card registrations until the end of April, and items checked out will be extended through April 14.
• All library patrons will be able to use online resources for free, including checking out digital books, magazines, audiobooks and more.
• In the interest of safety, all book drops will be closed, and patrons are asked to refrain from returning books until the library system reopens. Please keep all checked out materials safe at home with you and your families. This includes ILL items.
• The library system’s website, BCSLibrary.org, will be available through the closure, and streaming videos and resources are available on the library system’s social media pages.
• The AARP Tax Foundation Tax-Aides have suspended services until further notice.

What the cities are doing

• What Bryan is doing about COVID-19
• What College Station is doing about COVID-19

Information from the CDC

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Library resources available online

• eBooks
• eAudiobooks
• Streaming Video
• eMagazines
• TexShare databases (email or call us for our login information if you need it)
• Databases in addition to TexShare
• Other online learning opportunities through the library

Library resources available during the closure

• • All Online Services
  • Digital storytimes
  • How-to videos for placing holds and using Overdrive

Library Card Renewal

• • Contact us online

Other online resources to tide you over

(If you do not have a library card or are looking for additional content)

• LibriVox – free online public domain audiobooks
• Project Gutenberg – free online public domain books
• Audible Stories – free streaming of audiobooks, children through teen, 6 languages
• Scholastic Learn at Home – free daily projects to keep kids busy and learning (set up free accounts to use)
• Read Out Loud Archives presented by KidLit TV – videos of authors reading picture books
• Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems – doodling and drawing, new episodes posted weekdays at 1 PM ET (12 PM Central)
• Draw Every Day with JJK – free drawing lessons webcast at 2 PM ET (1 PM Central)
• Nightly Met Opera Streams – the Metropolitan Opera will stream operas nightly at 7:30 PM EDT (6:30 PM Central), each available for 20 hours
• Museums with Virtual Tours – article in Travel and Leisure listing museums with virtual tours
• The Louvre – virtual museum tours
• Google Arts and Culture – online tours and street views of museums and cultural sites
• National Emergency Library – a collection of digitized books provided by the Internet Archive with no waits through June 30 or the end of the emergency

Interact with us on social media

• https://www.bcslibrary.org/social-media/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are there any library resources I can use while branches are closed?
Yes. Bryan + College Station Public Library System provides a wide variety of electronic resources, including e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, streaming videos, and more online resources for borrowing or viewing.

What if my items are due? Will I accrue late fees?
The due dates for all checked-out circulating materials will be extended. No late fees should accrue on materials that were originally due during the closure period.

Can I place new holds through the catalog?
Yes, holds can still be placed through the catalog, as well as access and holds on e-books and e-audiobooks will still be available.

Can I apply for a library card?
During our period of closure, we are unable to register new patrons for library cards. However, when we reopen, new applicants can visit their local library to obtain and validate their physical library card.

My library card is about to expire. How can I renew?
Contact your local library for more information.

I have a question about my account? Is there anyone that can help me?
If you have any questions about your account or how to access digital resources, please use our online contact form.

Cancellations

• • All programs and events cancelled through April 7, 2020.
  • AARP Tax-Aide cancelled until further notice
  • Meet and Greet with Beatrice “Bea” Saba – postponed, new date TBA
  • Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale – postponed, new date TBA
  • Book donations halted during the closure