NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- New York City's public libraries are suspending all public programming and events until the end of March because of coronavirus.
The decision was announced Thursday morning in a joint statement from the New York Public Library, the Brooklyn Public Library, and the Queens Public Library, and will take effect on Friday.
"The decision to cancel library programs was not taken lightly, as programs such as story times, technology training classes, and English language classes are lifelines for so many," the statement read. "But considering the current situation, and the need to limit large crowds, this was the most responsible path forward to support the health and well-being of our communities."
The libraries themselves will not close, and the statement said that access to computers, internet and staff will continue.
The statement also said that New York Public Libraries, which cover Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx, will continue to offer computers for members of the community to take the Census.