Across the world, many have embraced social distancing practices and have chosen to self-quarantine in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. But what does this mean for libraries and their books? The New York Public Library, the largest public library system in the US, is considering ‘quarantining’ their books, once the library reopens and resumes operations.
New York Public Library CEO Tony Marx told Yahoo Finance that the library may choose to quarantine books between borrowers. Studies have determined that the virus can survive on plastic for up to three days and on cardboard for up to twenty-four hours. However, libraries need more guidance as to how long the virus can survive on different book materials.
image via New York Public Library
For now, the New York Public Library has made more than 300,000 e-books available to members, as well as a digital collection of more than 800,000 items from the libraries’ collections. Marx predicts that the library will face some pressure to reopen quickly, however, he assures that they will be working with the city, while remaining mindful of public safety.
Featured Image via The Nation
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