Covid-19 Information

Physical distancing is encouraged while visiting the library. Please consult the Illinois Department of Public Health website for further guidance on containing the spread of Covid-19. If you need special accommodations, please call 847.459.4100 to discuss the available options.

UPDATE 12.19.22
Get free at-home COVID-19 tests
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order free at-home tests. Order yours today. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them. Need help placing an order for your at-⁠home tests? Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

UPDATE 5.18.22
Get free at-home COVID-19 tests
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order a 3rd round of free at-home tests. Order yours today. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them. Need help placing an order for your at-⁠home tests? Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

UPDATE 4.4.22
A new nationwide Test to Treat website gives individuals an important way to quickly access information on free lifesaving treatments for Covid-19. Through this program, people are able to get tested and – if they are positive and treatments are appropriate for them – receive a prescription from a health care provider and have their prescription filled all at one location.

UPDATE 3.31.22
NEW! Find Covid-19 guidance for your community
This new government website provides you with resources to keep yourself and others safe from Covid-19.

UPDATE 3.21.22
Find Free Masks (N95 Respirators)
This CDC tool shows a list of pharmacies that provide free masks (N95 respirators). It does not show their current inventory. Please check with the location for availability.

UPDATE 2.27.22

Covid-19 Policy Update
In accordance with upcoming changes to the current State of Illinois Covid-19 mandate, the Library will no longer require guests to wear face masks starting Monday, February 28. However, we do recommend visitors make the individual decision to continue to wear a mask.​

The cafe area vending machines will reopen on Monday, February 28.

We will continue to monitor Cook County Department of Public Health, State of Illinois and CDC Covid-19 notifications and will adjust these guidelines if, when and where appropriate.

COVID-19 Community Levels are a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new Covid-19 cases in an area. Take precautions to protect yourself and others from Covid-19 based on the Covid-19 Community Level in your area. 

This short video clip from Dr. Allison Arwady, Commissioner, CDPH (Chicago Department of Public Health) related to lifting the mask mandate is helpful in understanding how the decision looks in the larger perspective of Covid-19.

UPDATE 2.8.22

Know before you go! Library programs are subject to change due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Please check individual program descriptions on our Events Calendar for updates.

UPDATE 2.1.22

Covid-19 Testing in Lake County
Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) has two convenient, community-based, and FREE Covid-19 testing sites in or near Lake County. 

How to Know if a Covid-19 Testing Site is Legitimate
Free The Covid-19 test is free. You should never be asked to only pay in cash for a Covid-1- test. However, a site may charge a fee to expedite your test results.
Safe Testing staff should be following all safety protocols, including wearing masks, gloves and other protective equipment.
Referral Get a referral. have your doctor recommend a site or you can check dph.illinois.gov/covid19/testing for state-sponsored testing sites.

UPDATE 1.19.22

Get free at-home COVID-19 tests
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
For those who have difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support placing an order, you can call 1.800.232.0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
Tests will start shipping the week of January 24.

UPDATE 1.18.22

Chicago, IL  — CONSUMER ALERT As the omicron variant continues to spread, increasing the number of positive COVID-19 cases throughout Illinois, Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued guidance regarding “pop-up” COVID-19 testing sites and price gouging of at-home rapid tests. Read the press release.

Questions to ask when visiting a Covid-19 Testing Site

• What tests does this site administer?
• Who analyzes the results?
• What laboratory does the site use?
• When will test results be communicated to you, and how/from whom will you receive that communication?
• Who can you call with questions or concerns about results?
• What type of personal information will the site ask you to provide?
• Does the site charge any out-of-pocket fee?
• Does the site appear to observe the CDC’s recommendations to protect against Covid-19? For instance, do workers maintain a distance of six feet between people and wear masks indoors in areas of substantial or high transmission?

File a consumer complaint with the Illinois Attorney General.

UPDATE 1.3.22

The United States, Illinois, and Cook County are experiencing a surge of COVID cases due to the Omicron variant. On Dec. 23, 2021, the Cook County Department of Public Health issued an order to protect the health of the public in suburban Cook County. CCDPH’s jurisdiction does not include Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie or Stickney Township. This mandate is in effect from January 3, 2022. Read about the mitigation guidance.

Services

• Hours of operation for all buildings remain the same. Check the hours link here.
  
• The library is pausing all in-person programming for the month of January and February. Check the events calendar at itpld.org for program updates.
• Study rooms remain open for reservations and utilization by members. Masks are required while using the study rooms.
• The Middle Ground remains open.
• The ESL Lab will not open until ESL classes return to in-person sessions at a future date.
• School outreach visits are paused.

Cook County Mandate – In effect from January 3, 2022

• Proof of vaccination card with a photo ID is not required to enter the Main Library or the Branch.
• Vending and coffee machines in the cafe area are out of order until further notice.
• Food and eating meals are not allowed in the Main Library or the Branch until further notice.

centers for disease control and prevention

CDC Guidance
Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Shots
Your Health: Symptoms of Covid-19 
CDC’s new vaccine finder tool 

Illinois department of public health

Getting vaccinated protects you-and kids who aren’t vaccinated yet
Coronavirus.Illinois.Gov 

State of Illinois Community-Based Testing Sites
Access your official immunization records with Vax Verify
Illinois Covid-19 Data & Statistics

Lake and Cook counties websites 

Cook County: Register for the vaccine
Lake County: Register for the vaccine

Please note: information changes rapidly so check these resources frequently.

village of wheeling covid-19 information

Includes a list of local testing sites

Other Health Departments

Chicago ChiCOVID Coach: Register for vaccine updates. 

Vaccine information by phone

If you or someone you know does not have access to the internet to register for vaccine information, call the following:

Illinois Covid-19 Hotline: 800.889.3931 
Cook County Hotline: 833.308.1988 English press 1, Spanish press 2
Lake County Hotline: 847.377.8000 press 1