The Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library is disinfecting and providing links to resources amid growing coronavirus worries.

The facility has suspended programming until the beginning of April when things will be reevaluated, and in the meantime is doing everything they can to keep the building clean and aid in helping those impacted.

“We are taking extra measures, cleaning every morning and taking extra precautions,” said Bernadette Weese, library director. “We have hand sanitizer out for anyone to use as well as Lysol wipes by the computers.”

In addition to keeping clean, the library is also providing resource links to help students, who are now out of school for an extended amount of time.

“With schools closing, we are trying to share as many resources as we can,” said Weese. “We are sharing links we have found so kids still have something they can do at home, literary related and things like that.”

In addition to useful links, the library is known for having internet access students and other individuals can use when needed. Weese said the library will also aid students in printing off some of the school work they will now be doing from home.

“People can come here while we are open during hours and use computers,” said Weese. “Recognizing that there are some schools that are doing packets online, we will be printing those packets out and making copies here so that people who may not have access to the internet can come get them here.”

While the library is open as of the writing of this article, Weese said those who are ill or exhibiting any symptoms similar to that of the coronavirus should stay home.

In addition to links for students, the library also has online services for book checkouts to anyone who may not want to come inside the library and physically check one out at this time. To access this service, you do need a library card, which is obtained at the library, however. Students also have access to the Tennessee Electronic Library, which allows them to view articles and other resources for free.

In the instance that the library does close, Weese said that the library will remain active on social media with updates, and will regularly provide links to resources for the community.

“I just recommend people follow guidelines from the CDC, the World Health Organization and the Health Department,” said Weese. “I think they’ve got pretty good guidelines up and good resources for people to look at.”