Covid-19 Update
Unfortunately, the rise of the Delta variant has prompted the CDC to caution that when a region hits the level of “substantial” risk everyone should wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. Dutchess County has been vacillating between “moderate,” “substantial,” and “high” levels of risk. At your next visit you will see a sign on the door indicating the current risk level. At “substantial” or “high” all patrons will be asked to mask, regardless of vaccination status. If you’d like to know what the status is before you come in, just call. The library always has masks available in case you’ve forgotten to bring yours. Masking in the Children’s Library continues to be mandatory for all.
This guidance, endorsed by the State of New York, is available here. You can also track our county’s transmission risk here. If you need to find a vaccine, we can help.
COVID Vaccines
As of 3/30/21 all New Yorkers aged 30+ are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine. Starting on 4/6/21, everyone 16+ is eligible.
Sign up for a vaccine at a state site here. Sign up for notifications of local vaccines available through the County here. We also recommend calling the State vaccine hotline at 1-833-697-4829.
If you are a veteran call 845-838-7668 to make your appointment.
Need help setting up an appointment? Call the library at 845-758-3241, or email director@redhooklibrary.org
Some local health care providers and pharmacies are distributing vaccines. You must go through each company’s own website to schedule these appointments.
Sobre la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) en español aquí
View our RHPL COVID-19 Safety Protocol here (RHPL Board of Trustees Approved 6.17.21).
Need wireless?
RHPL Neighborhood Wireless is an open network that extends from the library for about 100 yards in all directions.
Online Job Skills & Career Help
NY Governor Andrew Cuomo announced New Yorkers can Access Nearly 4,000 Online Free Courses and Certificate Programs on Coursera in industries like manufacturing, technology, and healthcare.
Visit the website to sign up for a free account.
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. Call 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 Dashboard
Dutchess County Coronavirus News
New York State Regional Monitoring Dashboard
New York State Coronavirus News
New York State Micro-Cluster Zones
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.
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: circulation@redhooklibrary.org