![The Cleveland Public Library is getting local residents connected with COVID-19 tests, vaccine appointments and transportation to get the shot. [Gayle S. Putrich / ideastream]](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5cbed6c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/980x551+0+0/resize/840x472!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F3%2F29%2Fcpl.jpg)
The Cleveland Public Library is helping residents make appointments to get the COVID-19 vaccine at the Wolstein Center.
The library is offering access codes by phone or in person for anyone interested in getting vaccinated, spokesperson Kelly Woodard said Monday. The access code allows residents to make an appointment either by themselves or with the assistance of library staff, she said.
“People can come to the library, or they can call ahead to get one,” Woodard said. “We do have enough codes, and if something should happen and we run out, we can get more codes.”
Ohioans 16 and older are now eligible to receive a vaccine under the state’s requirements. The codes are not limited based on preexisting condition or age group, Woodard said, and the program will continue as long as appointments are available through the library’s partners.
“Our goal at Cleveland Public Library is to make sure everyone gets vaccinated and they have access to the vaccine and other vital information about COVID-19,” Woodard said.
FEMA staff will be canvassing neighborhood library branches in the coming weeks to sign up more people for appointments at the mass vaccination site on Cleveland State University’s campus, Woodard said. FEMA also will be onsite at select Cuyahoga County Public Library branches to assist residents in signing up, according to a press release.
The Cleveland Public Library also is assisting residents in getting transportation to the appointments, Woodard said. Anyone with a vaccination appointment can visit the library for a free RTA pass that will allow them to travel to the Wolstein Center or other vaccination sites.
RTA plans to continue offering free transportation to the Wolstein Center and other Cuyahoga County vaccination sites via bus, rail and paratransit through May 8.
At-home COVID-19 testing kits are available through the library, as well, she said. The home tests are part of a partnership with Abbott Labs and digital health care company eMed Gov. Mike DeWine announced in January aimed at ramping up testing across the state.
