• Temporary library cards are being issued to area residents by applying online or over the phone.
• Due dates for all physical items will be extended to avoid fines and fees.
• Fines and fees already on library accounts can be paid online.
• Book drops are open. Returned items will be quarantined for 3 days before being processed.  
• Donations of books and other materials are currently not being accepted.
• Programs, meetings and events scheduled for while we are closed have been canceled.
• Hoopla's check-out limit has been temporarily increased to 20 per calendar month.
• Kanopy has created a temporary list of films that can be watched and not count toward your monthly limit of 15 - find them under "Credit-Free Viewing". Also, all of Kanopy Kids is unlimited temporarily.
• Interlibrary Loan service has been suspended, all ILL item due dates have been extended.

On This Page: Read online | Watch online | Learn online | Information on Coronavirus | Other links

Alabama Department of Public Health

The Alabama Department of Public Health is providing updated information and guidance as it becomes available.

Centers for Disease Control (COVID-19)

From the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This page will be updated regularly.

World Health Organization

Find information and guidance from the World Health Organization regarding the current outbreak. Check out their page busting myths on the Coronavirus

Mobile County Health Department

Find local information on the outbreak from MCHD.

• Help and Other Services:
  • 2-1-1 Connects Alabama: Information about health and human service organizations in our community (or dial 211)
  • Alabama Department of Labor: Unemployment benefits and resources available for dislocated workers (or call 866-234-5382)
  • City of Mobile: Coronavirus (Covid-19) update page
  • IRS - Get My Payment: Check on the status of your Economic Impact Payment
  • MCPSS Child Nutrition Program: Mobile County Public Schools are operating a feeding program to help make sure that no child goes hungry during the school closure. The district has selected 66 sites throughout Mobile County where bagged lunches will be handed out curbside. Food will be offered free-of-charge. Any child age 18 or under can receive food. A child must be present in order to receive food.
• Education:
  • ABDO: Free online digital library - Grades PreK - 6 and Grades 5 - 12. Plus research for Grades PreK - 2.
  • Alabama History@Home: The Alabama Department of Archives and History has created a new website providing links to a variety of free online resources from historical and cultural institutions across the state.
  • BrainPOP: help you and your curious learners stay informed and on-track with free access during school closures.
  • EBSCO: Free Resources: Including study packets, scavenger hunts, lesson plans, college admissions test prep, GED test prep and more.
  • Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems: Children's artist and writer Mo Willems guides viewers through drawing activities.
  • MacKids School & Library: teacher guides and resources, such as activity and discussion guides, book recommendations and presentations, author interviews, and more.
• Small Businesses and Employment:
  • Alabama Department of Labor: Unemployment benefits and resources available for dislocated workers (or call 866-234-5382)
  • U.S. Small Business Administration: Guidance from the SBA for small businesses.
  • Joblink: Search and apply online for jobs in Alabama.
  • Alabama Works: News and resources for Alabama businesses and employees regarding coronavirus.
  • Tax Day now July 15: The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service extend filing deadline and federal tax payments.
• Entertainment:
  • Free Stories for Kids from Audible: Instantly stream stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help kids continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids. All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.
  • My 2020 Covid-19 Time Capsule: Coloring sheets and work sheets giving your child an opportunity to document how they are feeling and what’s happening at home and in their communities during this historic moment. Made by Natalie Long of LONG Creations.
  • NewSouth Books coloring pages

The Mobile Public Library (MPL) considers the health and safety of our library users and staff our top priority. Due to the confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state of Alabama and under the guidance of the Mobile County Health Department and the City of Mobile, all MPL locations, including Saraland Public Library, Semmes Regional Library and the Bookmobile, will be closed effective Wednesday, March 18. All MPL programs, outreach services and meeting room reservations are canceled until further notice.

During this closure, all MPL locations will be cleaned and sanitized thoroughly. The Friends of the Mobile Public Library Book Sale is postponed.

If you need a library card, call (251) 340-1458 or any MPL location to get information on obtaining a temporary library card. MPL services can still be accessed from home through our digital materials and electronic resources. There are thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music and more available 24/7 with your library card. Children and Young Adults can also access our extensive electronic resources and databases for further educational opportunities.

Patrons will not face fines for overdue library materials during this time. MPL will extend the due dates of all physical library materials until the state of emergency is lifted. Digital downloads are automatically returned and do not accrue late fines.

We will continue to update our social media and website with any further information.

MPL will continue to navigate these circumstances with everyone's safety in mind, making decisions informed by the latest government recommendations and our Library Policies.