COVID-19 Resources
At this time, the Middle Georgia Regional Library Board has implemented a phased reopening for all Middle Georgia Regional Library locations. Curbside pickup and in-person materials and services are now available at all Middle Georgia Regional Library Locations.
Computer use is limited to two hours. Masks are encouraged for all visitors but required for one-on-one appointments with staff. Seating will be limited, and extended visits are discouraged. Research by appointment is available in the Middle Georgia Archives and Genealogical and Historical Room at Washington Memorial Library. Check back regularly for updates.
We are still available to serve you via phone, email, and social media. This COVID-19 Response and Resource page includes information about accessing library services as well as local, state, and national resources and information.
What is COVID-19
In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for the disease. ’19’ stands for 2019.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has spread throughout the world. COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness.
Library Services
Click to apply for a digital-only library card from home! Applications will be processed Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Please make sure that the email address you list is valid because we'll use it to contact you with your card number and password. No need to visit a physical library location. We'll get you set up remotely and let you know when your card is ready.
Curbside holds pickup is available at all Middle Georgia Regional Library Locations except the Montezuma Public Library.
All pickup is by appointment only. Place holds at gapines.org or call your library! For more information visit our curbside services page.
We're here to answer your questions by phone Monday through Friday from 10:00 am-6:30 pm.
- Washington Memorial Library: 478-744-0800
- Charles A. Lanford, MD Library: 478-621-6970
- Riverside Library: 478-757-8900
- Shurling Library: 478-744-0875
Questions may be emailed for online assistance.
- Washington Memorial Library: wmlref@bibblib.org
- Charles A. Lanford, MD Library: mgrlla@bibblib.org
- Riverside Library: mgrlrv@bibblib.org
- Shurling Library: mgrlsh@bibblib.org
Questions will be answered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Macon-Bibb County Libraries will continue regularly scheduled storytimes via Facebook Live. Find a full list of our virtual programs here.
- Mondays, 6:00 pm Mr. Tom, Washington Memorial Library
- Tuesdays, 10:30 am Ms. Rosie, Shurling Library
- Wednesdays, 10:30 am Ms. Shane, Charles A. Lanford, MD Library
- Thursdays, 6:00 pm Mr. Kevin, Bloomfield Library
- Fridays, 10:30 am Ms. Julie, Riverside Library
- Saturdays, 10:30 am Washington Memorial Library staff
New! You can now borrow movies, music, audiobooks, e-books, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV with hoopla and your MGRL library card!
You can still check out e-books, e-audiobooks, and digital magazines for free with your library card through RBdigital.com or the RBdigital app. If you need help logging in you can check out this tutorial or email us at help@bibblib.org.
Appointments are available if you need help searching for grants, want to learn more about market research, or have a business or nonprofit looking for COVID-19 support. Sign up here for a virtual Q&A session with BANC staff.
If you're looking for grants for your nonprofit, Candid is offering at-home access to the Foundation Directory Online with access to over 100,000 funder profiles! Please email wmlref@bibblib.org for help getting connected. You can do market research for your business or nonprofit with ReferenceUSA, and check your investments with ValueLine. No library card? Apply for one online and get digital access.
GALILEO is Georgia's Virtual Library. You can use it to access articles, eBooks, historical documents and photos, and much more. Use this tutorial to get started with GALILEO, and email us at help@bibblib.org for the GALILEO password or help to access services.
The threat of COVID-19 has changed day-to-day life for the Middle Georgia community, and Middle Georgia Regional Library encourages residents to document their lives during the pandemic. The Middle Georgia Archives is collecting journals, artwork, photos, videos, electronic documents, and more to help future researchers understand what daily life was like during this time. Find out more.
Official Sources
The Georgia Department of Public Health is the state’s official COVID-19 response team.
Click here to view the most recent Georgia Situation Report COVID-19.
The Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center has information for helping to advance the understanding of the virus, inform the public, and brief policymakers in order to guide a response, improve care, and save lives.
Children's Activities & Information
Many trusted sources are creating teaching tools to help parents during COVID-19.
- Scholastic has 20 days of learning projects.
- Kahn Academy has daily schedules and learning resources for children 2-18.
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has free resources to support distance learning.
- GALILEO is Georgia's Virtual Library. You can use it to access articles, eBooks, historical documents and photos, and much more. Email us at help@bibblib.org for the GALILEO password.
- World Book Online is offering free access through April 30. You will need to share your email address, then World Book sends you a username and password.
- Macon-Bibb County Libraries are continuing regularly schedule storytimes via Facebook Live.
- Storyline Online features videos of Screen Actors Guild members reading children’s books.
- BrainPOP provides animated interactive lessons, quizzes, and games for core subjects and a variety of electives. Offering free access during coronavirus school closure.
- National Geographic Kids connects kids with the popular National Geographic Kids magazine.
- PBS Kids has fun and informative activities and videos.
Civic Life
The Macon-Bibb County Board of Elections has information about updated election dates and polling locations.
The Center for Collaborative Journalism is providing unbiased candidate interviews to inform local voters.
It is still essential that everyone in our community completes the 2020 United States Census. The census can be completed online, by phone, or by mail. For more information about how the census benefits our community, our state, and our country visit the Macon-Bibb County, Georgia, and United States Census websites.
Emergency & Local Resources
The Community Foundation of Central Georgia and the United Way of Central Georgia and have partnered to establish a Central Georgia COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, which will be used to make grants to local nonprofits to meet short and long-term needs in the response and recovery efforts.
The United Way of Central Georgia 2-1-1 connects people to the assistance they need to address every day challenges of living as well as those that develop during times of community emergencies.
Grantspace by Candid has created a list of emergency financial resources for individuals, non-profits, artists, & small businesses.
Check NewTown Macon and the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce for local resources available to Middle Georgia's business community.
Check the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation for national news and resources available to Middle Georgia's business community.
News Sources
The Telegraph newspaper serves Macon and Middle Georgia. As a service to the community, The Macon Telegraph and McClatchy News Sites are offering full coverage of the COVID-19 coronavirus to all, with no payment required.
- ¿Qué Pasa? El periódico informativo de Georgia tiene dos componentes principales; Nuestra edición mensual escrita, con 12,000 ejemplares distribuidas atraves del sur de Georgia y nuestra página en el internet.
- Vida Salud tiene información sobre el coronavirus.
- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper serves Atlanta and the state of Georgia.
- Georgia Public Broadcasting is the public media provider for Georgia.