Library
Read On! Privacy
Libraries take protecting your privacy seriously. We believe what you read, what you research, and your use of the library’s resources is no one’s business but your own.
We obviously have to keep some records in order to operate. Mostly those records are patron contact information, current checkouts, historical checkouts linked to fines/fees, and some information to allow us to count how many people use our computers and wifi. We keep those records only for as long as they’re needed before they are deleted forever and are bound by law to keep them private while we have them (unless we receive a subpoena from law enforcement).
Additionally, our ethics and training dictate that staff do not discuss patron information with anyone outside the library. Even within the library we only discuss patron information when other staff members need to know that information.
Unfortunately, when you live in a small town (or even a big town) there may be some things you feel uncomfortable about your very ethical, non-judgemental library staff knowing you’re checking out. The good news is, we now have a self-checkout machine in the lobby! As long as you have your library card on you, you can use self-checkout to avoid any awkwardness about the materials you are taking home and to continue safety precautions for COVID-19. It’s really simple to use and we’re happy to walk you through if you need help.
Another avenue you can use to control what information the Library has about you is your checkout history. When you log into your account on our catalog, go to “My Account” then “History” to decide how long you want us to keep a record of your checkouts. Staff can do this for you too.
If you ever have questions about your privacy in the library, please ask us!
Read On! Summer Reading Program
Our Summer Reading Program officially begins this week! It looks a lot different than any Summer Reading we’ve had before, but we’re still excited about it.
Typically, our Summer Reading Program has two parts: the reading challenge and in-person classes and events. This year, our Summer Reading Program has one and a half parts: the reading challenge and a few online classes and events (keep an eye on our Facebook page for those).
The reading challenge is for all ages (babies to adults) and will take the form of an activity or BINGO sheet tailored to each age group. You can find them in The Paper, here on our website, and in person at the Library. These activities are meant to be fun and encourage reading all summer long.
Reading during the summer is especially important for school-age children. Kids who read during the summer, when they’re out of school, retain more of the information they learned the previous school year than kids who don’t. The information loss is called the “Summer Slide” and it puts kids who don’t read during the summer at risk of falling behind.
While the core of our Summer Reading Program motivation centers on children and preventing the Summer Slide, we also know that the best way to teach children to enjoy reading is for the adults in their lives to model that behavior. So, you grown-ups, don’t forget to read and do your activity sheets too!
We take reading very seriously at the Library, which means we want everyone to enjoy what they’re reading. We will happily help you find materials in any genre and in any format available with zero judgement.
This year, you don’t have to register for Summer Reading, but if you do, you’ll be entered into our grand prize drawing at the end of July. You can register here.
Curbside pickup is still available for anyone who needs it.
Read On! First Day
I’m writing this while sitting outside on the Library’s front porch monitoring the number of people in each section of the building. I’m lucky that it’s a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine and a nice, cool breeze.
This workstation and the procedures here are new and I feel clumsy and sluggish. I have to remember to ask everyone which area of the building they think they’ll be in most of the time, which is awkward and feels invasive. It’s a necessary question now, though. We have guidelines in place about the number of people in each area, so we have to keep track. I’ve got a tally sheet to help me make sure I’m not letting too many people in, but I keep forgetting who was where so I can cross off the right people when they come out. I know this will get easier. Luckily, I have a great staff who will laugh with me when I ask for the third time how many patrons are in the building.
As a staff, we decided we would wear masks while we’re open, so I’m trying to get used to having a cloth mask on all the time. It was made by my friend and I love it, but I seriously regret having tuna for lunch. Otherwise, the mask isn’t too bad. I know it’s an added protection for our patrons, which makes it worth a little discomfort.
I will be honest and say I was pretty nervous about opening back up. There is so much we don’t know about this Coronavirus. Not knowing and not being able to find out easily bothers me a lot. Plus, it’s a stressful time for our entire world, which makes people behave differently than they would normally. I’m happy to report that everyone who has come in so far has been delightful and patient. We are so thankful for that!
For anyone who doesn’t want to come into the building, we still have curbside pickup available. Give us a call and we’ll get you taken care of.
Library Building Closed for Memorial Day
Our physical building will be closed on May 25th, but we’re open 24/7 online! Check your account, place holds, download ebooks and audiobooks, learn a language, research your family history – all from wherever you are, day or night.