Coronavirus: How long can the virus live on the library book you checked out?

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The Columbus Metropolitan Library is providing a small collection of library materials to Battelle for testing to find out how long the coronavirus can  live on books and other library materials.

>> Coronavirus: Complete Coverage

Researchers will test COVID-19 strains on the items to provide safe handling guidelines.

The project is part of a new partnership spearheaded by the Institute of Museum & Library Services.

“We are so fortunate in central Ohio to be surrounded by such forward-thinking industry leaders at Battelle,” Patrick Losinski, Columbus library CEO stated in a release. “The work we do here will have far-reaching implications for public libraries around the state, country and even the world, ensuring that our important work can resume in a way that is safe for our communities.”

>> Coronavirus: DeWine promises reopening plan by Monday

More details, as well as the timeline of results and information, will be available in the coming weeks at  imls.gov/coronavirus.

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