Dear Westerly/Pawcatuck Community,
As a patron, community member and the Executive Director of Westerly Library and Wilcox Park, I would like to share an update with you regarding our procedures and steps we are taking to ensure your health and safety during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Visit westerlylibrary.org/westerlylibraryfromhome to discover what is available to you.
Our staff continues to work on enhancing and extending our virtual services and we will communicate upcoming offerings on our website and social media pages as they become available. We can also be reached via email of phone at 401.596.2877
reference@westerlylibrary.org | ext. 306
kids@westerlylibrary.org | ext. 316
teens@westerlylibrary.org | ext. 301
tech@westerlylibrary.org | ext. 311
Below are links to our social media pages; they can also be linked to via any of our website pages. Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Wilcox Park remains open for the public to enjoy! We urge anyone visiting the park grounds to follow guidelines from the Rhode Island Department of Health regarding social distancing and gathering size restrictions..
We will continue to communicate with you as our response to this outbreak continues to evolve.
Brigitte Hopkins, Executive Director
LIbrary Takeout Service is now available! Click here for details.
The Coronavirus: What You Need to Know
Look ahead to the phases of reopening Rhode Island. Includes a summary of the phases, guidelines for reopening, and resources for businesses and other organizations.
Rhode Island Department of Health
The State of Rhode Island Department of Health's mission is to prevent disease and protect and promote the health and safety of the people of Rhode Island. They have complied all the information that Rhode Islanders should know. Take a look at the COVID-19 Symptom Tracker or the latest statistics in RI.
Support Local:
Lieutenant Governor Dan McKee worked with the small business community to launch a new website that helps Rhode Islanders connect with and support their favorite shops, stores and restaurants. Learn more – and a buy a gift card to your favorite restaurant here. You can also view a list of local restaurants.
Coronavirus Resources and Updates for Rhode Islanders
An updated list of resources for Rhode Islanders from the Senator's office. Includes links and information about Unemployment benefits, direct payments, testing, and more. You can find additional resources and information, especially useful for small businesses, through the Rhode Island Commerce.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC, the main U.S. federal agency monitoring and responding to the novel coronavirus outbreak, has created a microsite with frequently updated information for health practitioners, researchers, and the general public. Of particular interest to the public is the Situation Summary, a quick overview with maps of reported coronavirus cases in the United States and globally.
Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Medical School - Cornavirus Resource Center
Answers to a number of questions about coronavirus and COVID-19. They will be adding new questions and updating answers as reliable information becomes available.
Intended for the general public, this health encyclopedia and information portal produced by the U.S. National Library of Medicine provides background on coronaviruses, along with updated information and links concerning the 2019 novel coronavirus. Users can also search MedlinePlus for links to high-quality health and medical information from other government agencies and trusted third-party organizations.
World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO, a leading international health agency helping to coordinate the global response to the coronavirus outbreak, offers global news updates and helpful videos, answers common questions (Should I wear a mask to protect myself? How does this virus spread?), and dispels myths (no, gargling with mouthwash won’t protect against the virus).
News and Updates
Governor Raimondo declared a state of emergency in Rhode Island on March 9 in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) to enable the State to access additional resources to supplement the State’s response to COVID-19. Here is the press release.
The New York Times provides excellent coverage of the novel coronavirus in its Health section. This dedicated page collects enlightening stories, graphics, and updates about the situation. Although nytimes.com provides free access to only a limited number of articles per month, the coronavirus landing page and headlines are free to browse.
This news site published by the nonprofit Society for Science & the Public has created a page dedicated to the coronavirus outbreak, featuring stories by their staff writers. While there are fewer coronavirus articles here than on other sites, these pieces are nevertheless thorough, and well documented.
Time.com has curated stories about the outbreak.
Westerly Library From Home
If you are unable to visit the Library for any reason, please remember that you can still access resources and services from the comfort of home.
- Borrow digital books, movies, music, and TV shows at eZone
- Research topics through our online databases
- Check our some of our special collections