People have asked us about the AARP annual Tax-Aide program. The information that we have does not name a date for the Tax-Aide program to start back up again, but the AARP volunteers have told us that they will make a very public announcement -- in the local newspapers, radio stations, etc. -- when they know when they'll be resuming their services.

UPDATE: I sincerely hate to make this announcement, but after discussion with the library’s Board of Trustees and the emergency declaration by the Board of Commissioners, the library board is currently planning to keep the Hart County Library closed for now, aligning with the school system’s closure (as recommended by the Governor); and to revisit the situation every two weeks until there’s a consensus of reliable information sources that it's safe for the staff and for the community for us to re-open. The current date projected for re-opening is now the end of April, but we will keep monitoring the situation and giving updates, as well as trying to make everyone aware of any online resources that we can find or offer.

Please remember that books that are due during this situation will not be charged any fines. You are free to return books or other materials in the bookdrop slot at any time, but any fines that you incur during this time will be waived. Please note that this applies to fines/late fees and not to fees based on a book being damaged or lost. We're trying to answer the telephone as best we can -- if you have any questions, please call us at (706) 376-4655.

We have received new information, and with Hart County Schools closing, the Hart County Library will be closing for the time being, most likely until the end of the month. As noted before, this may change, but we’re trying to do our part to keep the community healthy.

From the Illinois Library Association: “While normally public libraries may invite children to come to the library in the event of an emergency school closing, this is not the best course of action when trying to curb a contagious disease. Because containment works best when all organizations participate, many libraries and other cultural organizations are deciding to close while the schools are closed.”

As previously mentioned, we are cancelling all programming (including storytimes) and meetings until the end of March -- and all fines/late fees incurred during this situation will be waived. We will make further announcements as the situation develops.

Please remember that we do have online resources – Recorded Books and eRead Kids – available at all times with your library card. Our Wi-Fi signal (available outside the building even when we’re closed) will continue to operate 24/7.

Please stay calm, take all necessary precautions, and take care of yourselves and your loved ones. We’ll post updates as additional information becomes available.

NOTE: This month's meeting of the Hart County Library Board of Trustees, normally scheduled for March 10th, the second Tuesday of the month, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 11th. The meeting will begin at the regular time of 10:30 AM in the small meeting room. If you have any questions, please call the library at (706) 376-4655.