Library Closure Announcement, March 17 Until Further Notice

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Library Closure Announcement, March 17 Until Further Notice

On March 13, 2020, Governor Pritzker mandated that all schools in the state be closed from Tuesday, March 17 until Monday, March 30 in an effort to curb the spread and impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus. 

While normally we would invite our school-aged children to come to the library in the event of an emergency closing, this is not the best course of action when trying to curb a contagious disease. Because containment works best when all organizations participate, many libraries and other cultural organizations will be closed for the same duration.

Newton Public Library will be closing and offering limited, modified services through roadside pickup concurrently with the school closings (March 17 until further notice).

Here’s what that will look like.

– The Newton Public Library will be closed to the public except as further outlined below. This includes any events hosted by third-party organizations.

– Overdue fines will not accrue while the library is closed. Patrons are encouraged to use the book drop and to callthe library to renew any items due.

– The Newton Public Library will provide limited servicesthrough Curbside Pickup 10am-1pm Monday – Wednesday –Friday and Tuesday –Thursday 2-5pm.Should the library receive any information from local/state health departments and/or our library system to discontinue this, these limited services will stop immediately until further notice.

o Curbside Pickup
–Patrons will call the library or place requests online(Patrons who call will need to have their library card barcode number handy).
–Patrons will wait for notification that items are ready for pickup.
–Patrons will call either when they arrive at the library or immediately before they leave to come to the library.
–Patrons will need to provide an estimated arrival time and either their license plate number or the make, model, and color of their vehicle.
–Staff will inform patrons to keep their windows rolled up and to remain in their vehicle until staff has brought their item out to their car. 

-Staff will disinfect all incoming items to the best of their ability and will quarantine that item for 72 hours before rechecking the item out.

o E-resources
–E-books, movies, and music, are always available online through our website and through free apps. Visit www.newtonpl.com for directions on how to download Cloud Library and call the library if you have any questions or need help setting up your account.

 

The Newton Public Library is continuing to monitor and adjust to this changing situation. Services available over the coming weeks are subject to change depending on what is needed to protect the health of our communities. Please check our website (www.newtonpl.com) and Facebook or call the library (618-783-8141) for updates. 

 

Here are some ways you can help prevent the spread of the virus through the library and its materials: 

• If your items are due or overdue and you are not able to come to the library due to illness, please call us at 618-783-8141 during library hours or email us at newtonp2016@outlook.com.  Have your library barcode number handy when you call, and include it in your emails to us. Remember that no Newton Public Library items will accrue fines March 17 until further notice. We will renew items borrowed from other libraries if those libraries allow us to do so. 
• If you have items on hold, but are too ill to pick them up, call the library at 618-783-8141, and give staff permission for someone else to pick up your items with your library card.
• If you have a tablet, a smart phone or want to use your computer, you can download items from Cloud Library so you don’t have to come to the library. See our website for directions. This is available to Newton Public Library card holders only.  If you have a card from a different library, you will need to contact them to find out what ebook and e-resource options they offer. Your card must not be expired.
• If you have a fever or are home sick or have possibly been exposed to this virus, please do not come to the library or return library materials. Please call us as needed and we will do what we can to accommodate you.
• Refrain from eating while reading, and do not lick your fingers when you turn the pages of a book.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.