The following was issued by Island Free Library Director Kristin Baumann:
The Island Free Library will be closed Tuesday, March 17 through Sunday, March 22. On Monday, March 23 we will be closed per our normal schedule and we will examine next steps. We will update on our social sites — website, Instagram and Facebook — next Monday night or Tuesday morning at the latest. We are proud to take this action as community members who believe this to be a responsible step for everyone.
This decision aligns with both the Rhode Island State Office of Libraries who recommends public libraries be closed and the New England Library association, which posted this:
The New England Library Association wants to commend the libraries and local officials who have made the very hard decision to close their doors to the public and at the same time, encourage others to take action.
NELA is using our role as a leader and advocate of New England libraries to call on all public libraries to close their doors in alignment with their state’s Executive Order to close all kindergarten