Adding to a list of closures and cancellations across the region due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) announced Friday it is moving to online classes starting Monday, while the Traverse Area District Library (TADL) has closed all of its branches to the public indefinitely.

NMC will suspend face-to-face classes starting Monday (March 16) until Monday, April 27 in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. All NMC classes will be delivered via online learning if possible. Some courses may not be able to be delivered via online learning, including some occupational and lab classes (such as culinary and welding). Detailed information and instructions pertaining to each individual class will be communicated to students directly from the instructor. Students should regularly monitor e-mail for updates.

While classes are transitioning to online delivery, NMC’s four campuses - main, Great Lakes, University Center, and Aero Park - are still open at this time. This includes all services and offices, the Dennos Museum Center, and the Hagerty Center. Many services are available via phone, email and video conference, and staff are actively working to expand those options. Counseling services are available for students feeling overwhelmed or anxious. NMC’s two residence halls, East Hall and North Hall, as well as the NMC apartments will remain open, and food service will be available for those students who want to remain on campus.

Traverse Area District Library (TADL) closed all of its branches indefinitely to the public effective end-of-day Friday. "The closure of the libraries is in response to public health and safety concerns, and to help slow the spread of the coronavirus," TADL posted on Facebook. "Don't forget the library has a large collection of digital materials available to patrons living in our taxing district. All are available on TADL.org and are free with your digital account. Digital materials include: eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, (and) streaming TV and movies."