September is national Library Card Sign-Up Month, and FDL is excited to celebrate by announcing we are now officially FINE FREE! The Board of Trustees has revised library policies to stop the assessment of overdue fines for items checked out at FDL and approved clearing all outstanding overdue fines on items checked out at FDL from patron accounts, effective September 1, 2020.

We’re making these changes to provide the community with more equitable access to library materials and services. Studies have shown that fines do not motivate borrowers to return items on time and actually make people less likely to visit or return to the library. Eliminating fines as a financial barrier will expand access, services, and benefits to the FDL community.

However, “no more fines” doesn’t mean “no responsibility!” Patrons are still expected to adhere to loan periods and return or renew items on or before the due date, and patrons will still be responsible for the repair, replacement, or collection fees for lost or damaged items. Please visit our Fine Free FAQ page for more details about these new policies.

Clearing existing fines applies to anything checked out at FDL no matter where the item is from, where the patron’s library card is from, or where the item is returned. Patrons are still responsible for fines due to other libraries.

Additionally, renewing or signing up for a library card in September will earn patrons an entry into a prize drawing for an Amazon Fire HD8 tablet! District residents can sign up for a card at the Circulation Desk or online. Cards can be renewed at the Circulation Desk or the drive-up window.

FDL celebrates Library Card Sign-Up Month with the American Library Association and libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning. There’s nothing more empowering than using your library card to access books, technology, resources, and educational programs — tools and opportunities for people of all ages to pursue their dreams and passions.

The library reopens Monday, July 6, with new hours, express services, and public safety guidelines. Patrons are welcome to quickly select and check out materials and to use computers and study rooms for shortened periods. The following guidelines are designed to reduce risks for our staff and patrons as much as possible. We regret that this includes discouraging our patrons from extended visits. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Genna Buhr, Director.

New Service Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday
10am-1pm & 2-6pm

Tuesday & Thursday
12-4pm & 5-8pm

Saturday
9am-1pm

Special Access for High-Risk Individuals

Thursday 10:30-11:30am by Appointment

Please call by 6pm Wednesday to make your appointment. 

Preventive Measures

Face Masks — All patrons over the age of 2 are required to wear masks covering their nose and mouth at all times. Disposable masks will be provided at the welcome table to those who arrive without one. If you are not able to wear a mask in the library, please continue to use the drive-up window or Atrium pickup. All staff also are required to wear masks.

Protective Shields — Plexiglas barriers have been added to the service desks and computer stations.

Increased Cleaning — Computers, equipment, touch screens, counters, and surfaces are disinfected after each closing. The library is deep-cleaned nightly. Patrons are encouraged to wash hands before entering and use hand sanitizing stations throughout the library.

Returned Items — All returned materials are quarantined for 3 days before they are checked in or put back into circulation. We will not charge overdue fees for items that are delayed due to quarantine.

Courtesy — Please do not come to the library if you have symptoms associated with COVID-19 or if you have recently been exposed to someone who may have COVID-19.

Social Distancing

Limited Capacity — Current local health guidelines limit the number of people who can be in the library at one time. Patrons may be asked to wait in the Atrium or return at another time if capacity limit is reached.

The Six Feet Rule — Visitors are asked to maintain at least a six-foot distance from others in the library (except from those in their own party). Waiting spots are marked on the floors to help you maintain your distance.

Furniture — We have removed most furniture to maintain social distancing and to discourage extended visits. Please do not rearrange any furniture.

Computers

Some public access computers have been disabled to maintain social distancing. Computers are available by reservation for 45-minute periods, and an express station is available for 15-minute periods. Patrons are limited to using computers once per day, no more than twice per week. Reservations can be made by calling 309-699-3917 or through chat on the library’s website. A disinfecting wipe will be provided to each patron to clean the keyboard and mouse before use.

WiFi

Patrons needing to sit and use WiFi to work or study are encouraged to reserve a study room. FDL WiFi is also accessible from the parking lot and Reading Garden.

Study Rooms

Study rooms are available by reservation for 45-minute periods, 2 times per week per patron. Reservations can be made by calling 309-699-3917 or through chat on the library’s website. Masks must be worn in study rooms, and rooms will be disinfected after each use.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available in the Atrium while the library restrooms are closed to the public. Restrooms are cleaned nightly.

Other Available Services

• Programs — All summer programming will consist of online programs or take-and-make project kits. Patrons can track reading for the Summer Reading Program via the Beanstack app and pick up halfway and completion prizes at service desks or the drive-up window.
• Drive-Up Window and Atrium Pickup — Patrons can still place holds through the online catalog, with the RSAcat Mobile app, or by phone and pick up materials from the drive-up window or the Atrium.
• Office Equipment — Our scan station, copiers, microfilm, and typewriter will be available to use and will be cleaned after each closing.
• Ask a Librarian — Library staff are available to answer your questions during service hours at service desks or via phone, email, or live chat.
• Notary Public — We will offer Notary Public services by appointment for up to 3 documents.
• Interlibrary Loan — Patrons will also be able to request and receive items from other RSACat libraries. Because of increased safety measures, delivery may be delayed.
• Mobile Printing — Mobile printing is available to be picked up at the Information Desk, drive-up window, or in the Atrium.
• Drop Boxes — The drive-up drop box is available 24/7, and the Atrium and indoor drop boxes are available during service hours.
• Little Free Library — Items that can be taken and kept are available for all ages in the Atrium and the Reading Garden.

Temporarily Unavailable Services

• Coffee Corner
• Toys & Play Area
• Video Games
• Local History Room
• Newspapers & Magazines (magazines can still be checked out)
• Board Games (can still be checked out but not played in library)
• Book Sale
• Book Donations
• In-Person Programs
• Water Fountains

We greatly appreciate your patience and compliance with all the new rules and safety precautions. Please call 309-697-3917 to make reservations and appointments or to ask questions about this phase of library service.