Library Steps up to Bring COVID-19 Vaccines to Communities

Written by Matthew Todd, Shipping & Receiving Manager, Downtown Main Library 

One of the key commitments the Library works to uphold every day is supporting our community. During this ongoing pandemic, that has meant everything from providing safe, in-person service in clean and socially distanced spaces, continuing access to technology (internet, computers, printers, fax machines), to offering curbside and drive-thru pick-up, free meals for families, virtual events and appointments.  

Now, we’re stepping up to help get the groundbreaking COVID-19 vaccines to your family to help our county return to normal. In anticipation of the vaccine distribution, we’re committing our transportation capabilities to assist in getting vaccines quickly and safely to distribution locations.  

We mobilized a similar effort in 2020 to transport PPE (personal protective equipment) such as hand sanitizer, plastic dividers/shields, chairs/tables and generators) and are doing so again to prepare for vaccine distribution. 

I’m a member/representative of the Hamilton County Emergency Response team for the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library. Since 2012, the Library has participated with the Hamilton County Health Department and the Hamilton County General Health District on emergency preparedness. The Library has agreed to provide vehicles and drivers in the event of an emergency to transport medical countermeasures to Point of Dispensing sites in the district.  

This work is an extension of the Library’s mission to center and support the community. We strive to earn the trust and confidence in our community by transporting anything that’s needed for the distribution of the vaccine. 

We’ve also created a page on our website you can visit to get fact-based information on the COVID-19 vaccine and keep up to date with the latest information on the Library’s involvement.  

The Library is fortunate to be able to respond immediately to the current situation. Just like with books you’ve placed on order from the Library, we transport emergency supplies quickly with trained staff and dedicated vehicles. We have been careful to ensure that our participation in the county’s emergency preparedness work does not negatively impact the everyday services we provide to customers. 

We’re proud to help our Hamilton County community members during such a difficult time and do our part to help bring the pandemic to an end.