COVID-19 Service Update 05/05/2020 3:30 p.m.
Fondulac District Library has been continually reviewing when and how we will begin to offer in-person services (both drive thru and in the library) again. There are many factors to consider before we are able to provide these services, and the library’s top priority remains the health and safety of our patrons, staff, and community.
The current situation is unlike any we’ve ever faced, and the factors and information that have to be used in decision making related to library services are incredibly complex. While I am as excited as anyone to get to a point where we can provide in-person services again to our community and I fully believe that library services are an extraordinarily important resource, ensuring our decisions do not raise the risk to the short term and longer term health and safety of our staff, our patrons, and our community has to take priority. We are making decisions in review and accordance with information, guidelines, and recommendations from legal counsel, national, state, and local authorities and public health officials, and professional library organizations. Given the complexity of it all, the library greatly values your support and patience.
We know you are anxious to check out new items and to return those you currently have, and we are looking forward to that, too. However, at this time, the library’s in-person services, including drive thru, book return, and building, remain closed. At this moment, we do not have a firm date as to when those services will start. When we can more confidently determine it is the right time for the library to begin those services, we will be so excited to let you know.
We are monitoring and reviewing new information on a daily basis. We are securing necessary materials and establishing procedures the eventual reintroduction of drive thru services and material returns. We’ve extended item due dates and library card expiration dates, and no fines will be assessed on items that were due during the time of closure. We will continue to announce service changes on our website and social media, so please keep an eye out there for more information.
Until we are able to reintroduce drive thru services, we encourage patrons to use our digital collections and online options during this time. Our staff is still working hard to bring patrons digital collections, new online content, new digital library cards, and virtual programs to our patrons. We’re also planning for the continuation and modification of the summer reading program, future events, and the gradual reopening of library spaces and reintroduction of in-library services.
Again, thank you for your patience and understanding. I hope you and your family are safe and well. Please take care to stay healthy and to help others remain safe so that we all may enjoy the library together again soon.
Genna M. Buhr, Library Director