Guides: Missouri Public Library Directors: COVID-19 Resources

Disclaimer

The information provided herein is not to be construed as providing legal or medical advice. Libraries should contact their attorneys regarding any legal requirements and their local health departments for medical guidance related to COVID-19. The Missouri State Library does not endorse any of the library policies included in this guide. These policies are provided for informational purposes only.

Open Forums

Stay in touch with the State Library in our bi-weekly open forums on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Email mostlib@sos.mo.gov for the Zoom join link.

Status Changes

The Missouri State Library is no longer tracking public library status changes.

If your library has any questions or needs assistance, please email mostlib@sos.mo.gov or call 573.522.4036.

Ideas for Programming

In-Person Programming

Virtual Programming

Topics

Summer Reading

Collaborative Summer Library Program

Virtual Story Times

Author Readings

Planning for Reopening

Individual Library examples, from Montana State Library:

Resources for Library Staff

ALA COVID-19 Recovery

A comprehensive guide from ALA including:

COVID-19 Materials for Posters, Signs, Social Media & Website

COVID-19 Trainings & Webinars

Project Ideas, Working Remotely, and more!

Missouri Library Examples

Hotspot Lending

T-Mobile Hotspot Lending Program

Free and Open Access Resources

Missouri-specific Resources

CDC and U.S. Department of Education Resources

Other Resources

Ways to Help Out

10 Ways to Volunteer Remotely During COVID-19

Resources from OCLC

Open Access COVID-19 Research Resources

Missouri Vaccine Plan & Information

New Get a Ride

Vaccine Order re: Library Staff
Staff at public, private, and/or nonprofit libraries shall be included in Phase 2 of the January 14, 2021 Health Order.

REALM Project Updates

April 15: Understanding COVID-19 Vaccines: A REALM Project Webinar

COVID-19 Survival on Materials Held by Archives, Libraries, and Museums

Policy Examples

Face Masks

Cleaning, Disinfecting & Safety

Employment Issues

Webinar: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

Slides

Mental Health and Self Care

News and Updates

How can I spot misinformation about the coronavirus and COVID-19?

National Library News

Free Online COVID-19 Missouri news coverage

Missouri newspapers are providing free access to their COVID-19 coverage, including:

Jefferson City News Tribune health section.
Joplin Globe coronavirus section.
Kansas City Star coronavirus section.
Southeast Missourian coronavirus section.
Springfield News-Leader COVID-19 page
St. Louis Post-Dispatch coronavirus section.

Governor Mike Parson streams periodic press briefings. Follow along on his Facebook page or local radio/TV stations. Read his latest news releases here.

CDC News Room

Missouri Response

Missouri General Assembly

Federal Response

Find more information about temporary leave and employment issues and more from the Department of Labor's website:

Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements

Local Response

COVID-19 Tracking and Dashboards

Assistance in Missouri

File for Unemployment
Contact the Missouri Department of Labor & Industrial Relations for questions about filing for unemployment.
Social Services
Missouri's Department of Social Services can help you with food stamps, health care, child care, child support.
Services Navigator
The Services Navigator is an online system that allows you to search for programs and services across the state of Missouri.
United Way 2-1-1
Dial 2-1-1 to get connected to a trained resource specialist.
Child Care Assistance
The Child Care Subsidy Program assists eligible Missouri parents and guardians with payments for child care. This program helps families with the cost of child care so that they are able to focus on finding and holding steady work that can support their family's needs.
myDSS Virtual Assistant
Use the DSS Virtual Assistant to get immediate answers to basic questions that are not specific to your case 24 hours a day. Call the FSD Customer Service at 855-FSD-INFO or (855-373-4636) Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Return Strong program
The Return Strong initiative is aimed at strengthening Missouri’s Workforce as it bounces back from the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Missouri Work Assistance Program
Temporary Assistance (TA) recipients are required to immediately participate in employment and training activities once they are approved to receive benefits. Find information here.
Legislator Lookup
Find your Legislators by entering a valid Missouri mailing address.
Resources to support people experiencing homelessness
Guidance from the CDC to Plane, Prepare and Respond.

Reference Services

Missouri Public Library Directors