Exeter Public Library
COVID-19 Edition 3/17/2020
A little bit different...
All public libraries are closed!
- The due date on all library materials has been extended and all fines will be waived for materials due back while we are all closed. You can ignore all the automatic library notices you receive during this time. Your library card will not expire during this period either.
- Please hang on to the library materials you have at home right now. You can return them when we re-open. Please do not leave donations in our book drop.
- There is no statewide delivery of library materials during this time. The ability to place holds on materials has been turned off in the library catalog because no one is available to fill them. It will be restored once most libraries have re-opened.
- There is no way of physically closing our playground - but please remember that this virus can live on hard surfaces for up to three days
For more information on the closure of RI's public libraries you can visit Ocean State Libraries' website or the site of the Office of Library and Information services.
Use the Library Online
Askri.org is a suite of online resources that is available to all Rhode Islanders. You can learn a new language, use an encyclopedia, study for tests and so much more.
Stay at Home Storytime - our own Miss Aimee has created a You Tube channel where she will be posting some recorded Storytimes for you to enjoy with your children
Free lunches for EWG Students - West Greenwich Fire & Rescue
Due to the district closing on short notice, West Greenwich Fire Rescue will be providing breakfast and lunch items in a prepared bagged lunch for EWG students who only rely on school meals.
There will be a peanut free option for students with peanut allergies, prepared separately to the best of our abilities.
Available March 16-20 2020.
Pick up 8 am to 10 am daily.
830 Nooseneck Hill Rd, West Greenwich.
401-385-9910 or 401-397-7484
No questions asked.
Picture shown is similar to what will be available, combination of items may vary.
Fruit donated by Roch’s Wholesale in West Greenwich
Declaration of a State of Emergency in Exeter
With recent events occurring at a rapid pace, we wanted to ensure you that the Town of Exeter is Committed to keeping all you as informed as possible.
With the assistance from our Town Council President, Cal Ellis, Town Clerk, Lynn Hawkins and Town Solicitor, James Marusak, we have drafted a local declaration of emergency.
What this means is that our community is aligning with Federal and State declarations that are currently in place. Click here to download the document.
Courtesy of Exeter's Emergency Management Director
Through Executive Order, the Governor is closing dine-in restaurants and bars beginning tomorrow with the EXCEPTION of Take out and Drive thru locations
Social Distancing is the ABSOLUTE KEY to slowing the spread of the virus. Spring Break is currently in session and it is expected that kids STAY HOME. I understand how difficult this may be but, it is necessary
As of March 16th, the Governor announced the following:
- State House closed to the public beginning tomorrow
- Human Services and Office of Health Exchanges: No more in-person interviews. Call or try to conduct business online.
- Dept of Labor and Training: Job Centers: Sessions will be available only over the phone. One stop centers closed, Professional licenses can be renewed online
- DMV: Do not go to office in person. ONLY if necessary. Most business can be completed online. Effective today: All DMV Satellite Offices will be closed. No driving test. ID Services cancelled for the rest of the week (Real ID) CDL Services still available. Expiring licenses this month will be EXTENDED for 30 days
- Open Meetings Requirements: Video conferencing and phone business WILL be allowed. Suspend open meetings act: However, we must make provisions to have members of the Public to participate via phone or video.
- If you are sick stay home. Call your Physician or Department of Health before going to a doctor's office
- Avoid gatherings of 25 people or more: Use common sense. Sorry folks, St. Patrick's Day is taking a holiday
- RI is ahead of the national average of cases
Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott reaffirms the following:
- RI Dept of Health (RIDOH) is focused on protecting the Public and keeping them safe. All preventative measures are effective
- STAY AT HOME: Wash your hands, cough and sneezing etiquette away from individuals and social distancing
- There was a conference call with 1,000 providers this morning: Testing capacity ramping up. Screening for tests based on priority based on your risk factors
- Hospitalized, Nursing Home, Healthcare Workers: State health laboratories will focus on these categories FIRST
- Majority of infected persons will not fall in the above categories. It is expected you will be able to recover at home. Testing will not IMPACT you recovery.
- Treatment: Stay home, rest, hydrate, prevent further infection. (KEY TREATMENT)
- Private/commercial labs will be utilized for other priorities
- Healthcare providers will be able to order tests once system is UP AND RUNNING
- RI Blood Centers: NEED YOUR DONATIONS. PLEASE DONATE WWW.RIBC.ORG Make a donation to support this organization. It is desperately needed and necessary.
Grocery Shopping: Please purchase what you need. Avoid hoarding; especially perishable items. Do not be in a position where you may end up throwing out food.
Stay informed: Please get your information from the CDC, RI Dept of Health, State gov't or your local officials...
If you would like to join Exeter's Emergency Management email list, please click here. Stefan Coutoulakis sends out periodic updates regarding all crisis, weather events and information about general preparedness impacting our community.
Some trusted COVID-19 websites
Rhode Island Department of Health Coronavirus Disease 2019
Rhode Island Department of Health COVID-19 Info Line:
401-222-8022
(Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm) or after hours: Call 211
Email: RIDOH.COVID19Questions@health.ri.gov
Workplace Fact Sheet for Rhode Islanders - from RI Dept of Labor & Training
BH Link - Rhode Island's mental health crisis line
401-414-LINK (5465)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers from the CDC
World Health Organization (WHO)
Coronavirus vs the Flu - from Johns Hopkins University
Coronavirus Disease 2019 - from the Food & Drug Administration
What is Social Distancing? - from Johns Hopkins University
How long does a virus stay contagious? - from PBS.org
How to do a really good job washing your hands - from NPR
This is how long Coronavirus survives on surfaces - from Newsweek