St. Helens Public Library COVID-19 Policies

Updated April 8, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the St. Helens Public Library closed to the public on March 12th, 2020 and will be closed until the state of emergency in St. Helens has been lifted. The City of St. Helens is monitoring the situation and will adjust any closure dates if necessary.

While we are closed, there are some important things to know:

  • None of our physical items will be available for check out, but Library patrons can still use:
    • Libby/Library2Go for eBooks and audio books
    • RBdigital for online magazines
    • Freegal for downloadable and streaming music
    • Our online databases
  • The St. Helens Public Library will also be offering a digital-access only library card to our community members.  This card is available to anyone regardless of residential address, age, or status of your current St. Helens Public Library card.  Cards will be good until the Library re-opens. You will have access to Library2Go, Freegal, RBdigital, and we are working to grant access to Gale databases and A-Z World Foods in the coming days. More details on our website are coming soon!
  • For all items that are currently checked out, the due date has been extended until the Library reopens. 
  • Patrons may keep items they have checked out until the Library opens again or they may return them – Library staff will be emptying the outdoor book drop regularly.
  • No overdue fines will be assessed during this closure.
  • For all library cards that were set to expire during this closure, the expiration date will be extended to 4/18/20.
  • If patrons had items waiting on the holds shelf, those items will still be waiting for them when we reopen. If patrons wish to cancel those holds, they should email or call the Library.
  • If patrons require assistance, they can email us at shpl@ci.st-helens.or.us or call us at 503-397-4544 to leave a voicemail.
  • Please check the Library’s website and social media pages (Facebook and Twitter) for updates. Policies may change as the situation evolves.

The Library staff would like to express our concern for the well-being of everyone in our community. We’re working hard to serve you during our closure to the public, and we can’t wait to see you again when we re-open.