FAQs

Library 2020 Coronavirus Closure

Why are you closed?

The Crook County Court recognizes the unique threat posed by novel coronavirus (COVID-19). To help mitigate the potential spread of the pathogen, the Court declared a local public health emergency and ordered County departments to protect the public and staff as much as possible. Check out these pages for more information about how the County is responding to novel coronavirus.

How long will you be closed?

We will be closed to the public until further notice. When we reopen, it will be according to the guidance of the State of Oregon and local health officials, including the Crook County Health Department.

But I still have items out! What should I do?

No problem! Due dates for all items currently out have been extended to June 15. You're welcome to keep your items until then, but if you'd like, you can also return them in our bookdrop on 2nd Street.

Can I get a library card?

You bet! Here's how it works:

  1. Complete our online registration form. If you're having trouble accessing or completing the form, call us at (541) 447-7978 during our open hours. Our current operating hours will be posted on the front page of this website.
  2. One of our staff will review your application within 1-2 library business days. If we need more information to complete the card, we will get in touch with you. If you are under the age of 17, we will need to contact your parent or guardian to verify their contact information before we can make you a card.
  3. Once the card is complete, we will send it to you in the mail. Let us know when you receive the card. Receipt of the card is how we verify your address.

If you need immediate access to library resources, call us at (541) 447-7978.

Why can't I place holds online?

All of the public libraries in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties are on limited operations in response to the pandemic. Unfortunately, this means that there are not staff available in some locations to process your holds, and the courier isn't running between the libraries.

You can still place holds on items currently available in Crook County, though. See details on the Curbside Hold Pickup page.

Help! I desperately need reading/watching/listening material!

Not a problem! We're offering curbside hold pickup and are accepting new holds on items currently available in our library. We can even recommend items to you. Check out our Curbside Hold Pickup page for details.

We also offer a wealth of online resources including e-books and audiobooks from OverDrive, animated e-books from TumbleBookLibrary (which is being offered for free! Thanks, TumbleBooks!), technology tutorials from LearningExpress Library, and lots of other resources on genealogy, law, automotive and small engine repair, and more. Check out our Research & Learning section for even more.

Also, watch our Facebook feed for suggestions on what you and your family can do while you're cooped up at home.

I need to use a computer, print a document, or fax or scan something. Where can I go?

Pack, Ship and More provides faxing, scanning, and printing services. They're open on Mondays-Fridays, 9.30a-5.00p.

Our WiFi is still on while we're closed. If you have your own device, just come to the library and park in a spot close to the building to connect. The network is called "Library Guests".

If you are seeking employment and need access to a computer, contact or visit:

Redmond WorkSource
2158 SE College Loop, Suite B
Redmond, OR 97756
541-548-8196
Open Mondays-Fridays, 8.00a-5.00p

Unfortunately, there are no other general use public computers currently available in Prineville for those who do not have their own devices.

What about the event I was gong to attend in one of the library meeting rooms?

Unfortunately, due to our public closure, all events scheduled in our meeting rooms have also been canceled through April 30. To accommodate the closure, we have extended our typical three-month booking window. We currently are accepting bookings from May 1-August 1. However, those dates are subject to change depending on the developing public health situation.

For more information, check out our Meeting Rooms page.

Can I donate items to the Friends of the Library?

Due to safety concerns, we are unable to take material donations (books, DVDs, CDs, etc.) at this time. Please do not put non-library materials in the book drop or in front of our exterior doors. That said, we sincerely appreciate your concern and support. Thank you for thinking of us!

Where can I get tax forms or assistance?

The IRS has extended the tax filing and payment deadline to July 15 (previously April 15). However, if you're still gung-ho to get your taxes done - and who isn't? - federal and state tax forms are available online here:

We have print copies of federal 1040 and 1040-SR forms and booklets available. You can pick them up using our Curbside Hold Delivery service. There is no need to call ahead if these are the only forms you need.

Our staff can also help you find other state and federal tax forms. We can print out up to 10 pages of tax-related documents that you can then pick up. Call us at 541-447-7978 or email library@crooklib.org for questions.

Unfortunately, AARP Tax-Aide, which was previously scheduled in our library, has canceled all service nationwide for the remainder of the year. We are not aware of any other free tax preparation services in our area. The IRS and Oregon Department of Revenue offer free online tax filing to individuals who meet certain criteria. Check these website for details:

Use only these websites to access Free File! Accept no substitutes. Oftentimes, sites you find using a general web search that claim to be "free" aren't really. The links on the IRS and Oregon Department of Revenue's pages are the most dependable way to find legitimate Free File sites.

The following businesses in Crook County offer paid tax preparation services. They may not have room for new clients, but it's worth checking. As a government agency, we do not make recommendations on any specific business listed here.

Cascade Country Consultants, Inc.
320 NW Beaver St., Prineville
541-416-1040

Evans, Bartlett, & Higbe, CPAs, LLP
180 NW Second St., Prineville
541-447-6565

H&R Block
447 NW Third St., Prineville
541-447-5004

Lindsey Rogers, CPA
736 NW Third St., Prineville
541-362-5122

Michael J. Mohan, CPA
106 N Main St, Prineville
541-447-3299

Moore Bookkeeping, LLC
541-815-7705

Porter Jay, CPA, PC
896 NE Third St.
541-447-4822

Rebecca Sather, EA, LTC
541-419-7950

Werner Crawford Accounting, LLP
682 NW Third St., Prineville
541-447-7776

Can I still meet with a Thrive social worker?

Thrive has closed all of their walk-in sites until further notice. In the meantime, they are offering a call-in option for those seeking services at 541-728-1022. One of their staff will respond within two business days. You can also contact Thrive through their website.

Check out Thrive's community resources on their website as well.

Where can I find out more information about novel coronavirus/COVID-19?

St. Charles Health Services and Deschutes County Health Services have created a telephone hotline dedicated to novel coronavirus and COVID-19 questions.

COVID-19 Hotline
541-699-5109
Mondays-Fridays, 8.00a-5.00p

The health departments in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties also send daily email updates on novel coronavirus. Sign up here.

The websites below are other great resources for the most up-to-date and accurate information about the developing pandemic.