Coronavirus News & Resources
Sobre la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) en español aquí
The library is now open for for at-will visits, without appointments. If floor limits (6 persons max per floor) are reached, you will be asked to wait until someone leaves to enter which will be indicated by a sign near each entrance. While items can be picked up (and returned) inside, contactless pick-up service of library materials continues as an option.
Current Hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays: 10am-5pm
Wednesdays & Thursdays: 12-7pm
Saturdays: 11am-3pm
Returning items to the library:
Returns can be made 24/7 in the dropbox on the porch, or in cardboard boxes on each floor during our regular business hours. Items will be placed in a box labelled for the day returned and quarantined for 4 days prior to check-in. Once an item’s quarantine period has ended, it will be backdated and checked in according to the day it was returned, so no late fees will be charged for the quarantine period. You may return items from other libraries.
Ordering items from the Catalog:
Orders may be placed online via the MHLS Catalog 24/7, by calling the library, or by visiting one of our circulation desks during our regular business hours. MHLS interlibrary requests and deliveries resumed as of Monday June 22nd. Looking to browse the newest RHPL items virtually? Read a brief tutorial here.
In-library pick-ups of requested items:
In-library pick-ups of holds are available at our main circulation desk during our regular business hours. If you would prefer a contactless pick-up that option is available.
Contactless pick-ups:
To pick up items via contactless pick-up, simply pull into the parking lot and call the library at 845-758-3241 with your library barcode. Once a staff member places your item in the designated pick-up location, you may exit your car and pick it up. Please practice physical distancing.
Programs:
Programs will be held virtually, or outside practicing social distancing, until further notice.
COVID Policies, Procedures & Protocols:
Properly fitting masks are required on library property by those over 2 years of age per the Patron Code of Conduct Safe Practices Addendum.
You can review our current New York State Safety Plan here.
You can view our Curbside Delivery Hygiene Protocol here.
You can view our current Safe Services Plan here.
The Proactive Infection Plan is here.
All staff have been trained in safety procedures including social distancing, safe handling of materials, and proper use of PPE.
Need wireless?
Generally people can connect to the library wireless from the porch, the street, or the parking lot. It is an open network called RHPL wireless.
When accessing library wireless please maintain a safe social distance of at least 6 feet from others, per the NYS on PAUSE Executive Order.
Red Hook Responds
A place to get, or give, help during the crisis. Visit the website or call the hotline: 845-640-4788
Red Hook Senior Services Office
Town of Red Hook Senior Services Committee and its partners, can help RH Seniors learn about existing resources and services available to them, and even assist with signing people up. We can also pair any RH senior, wishing to receive a friendly phone call, with one of our senior citizen phone call volunteers. Call today, leave your name and number, and one of our volunteers will call you back, usually the same day.
845-758-4624
Dutchess Responds
A place to get, or give, help during the crisis. Visit the website or call the hotline: 845-486-3555
Dutchess County Emotional Support Helpline
Feeling anxious or distressed? This 24/7 helpline will provide support & guidance. Call or text (845) 485-9700 / Call toll-free (877) 485-9700. Or visit the website.
NYS Office of Mental Health Emotional Support Helpline
This helpline provides free and confidential support, helping callers experiencing increased anxiety due to the coronavirus crisis. Call 1-844-863-9314. Or visit the website.
Food Assistance
Find a list of local resources here. Update: Community Action will deliver food!
Unemployment Information
Unemployment benefits have been expanded. To apply for these take the steps below:
If you don’t have a computer, call during business hours: 1-888-209-8124
If you have access to the internet, start by creating a NYGov Id as that will make it go more smoothly. Create your Department of Labor NYGov Id here.
Once you have done that, you can file a new unemployment insurance claim. The day you submit your claim is based on the first letter of your last name: A-F on Monday, G-N on Tuesday, O-Z on Wednesday. If you missed your allotted day, submit your claim on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.
Any claim you make will be backdated so that you receive benefits from the first day you were out of work.
Use your NYGov Id to apply here.
If this is confusing in any way or you run into difficulties with SNAP, WIC, HEAP and/or unemployment, call Dutchess County Community Action, they’re there to help you: 845-452-5104
More Coronavirus Resources & Links
Trusted sources for Coronavirus information:
Town of Red Hook Coronavirus information
Dutchess County Coronavirus News & Dashboard
New York State Coronavirus News
New York State Regional Monitoring Dashboard
Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Dashboard
World Health Organization Coronavirus Dashboard
Dutchess County Covid-19 Hotline: 845-486-3555
State Covid-19 Hotline: 888-364-3065
Support local businesses here and for a comprehensive list of phone numbers, here.
Check out our blog for activities for all ages. Connect with us via Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and Twitter.
Additional resources are listed below.
To help children make sense of Covid-19:
For Preschool-aged Children:
PBS Kids videos from Daniel Tiger & Sesame Street to help explain germs
Virtual Storytime from Cincinnati Public Library: Sherm the Germ
Virtual Storytime from Opa’s Corner Storytime: Don’t Lick This Book
For Elementary Children:
Comic for kids explaining coronavirus
Video to explain viruses, in particular Corona viruses (upper elementary to middle school)
For All:
Songs to Wash Your Hands by…. Clever British teenager developed this so you can see how much of your favorite song to sing to ensure clean hands.
Stay tuned to our website, blog, and our social media for updates and information. We will also be doing our best to post activities and items of interest for you and your families.
We are in this together.
Dawn: director@redhooklibrary.org
Paul: assistant@redhooklibrary.org
Amy: amy@redhooklibrary.org
Renee: programcoordinator@redhooklibrary.org
Desk staff: rhlibrarystaff@gmail.com