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, May 31 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
call the library to renew any items due.
– The Newton Public Library will provide limited services through 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.
