Reopening for PDL

Preparation For Opening

During our building closure, the staff was preparing new services and procedures, deep cleaning our building, creating informational and wayfinding signage, adding protective barriers, and re-arranging furniture to meet social distancing standards.

MeL and interlibrary loan services have been suspended by the State with no definite date to resume. Once we receive information about the return of this service, we will communicate that with our patrons via E-News, Facebook, our website, and the monthly Portager.

Returning Books

Starting Wednesday, June 3rd, our drive-through book return was opened so that the items you’ve had during the Stay-At-Home order can be returned. All returned items will be quarantined for up 72 hours and will be checked in fine-free until the end of August. It may take up to 5 days to see returned materials status changed to “checked in” on your account.

Curbside Service

On Wednesday, June 10th, the library began providing curbside pickup of holds by appointment only.

• The ability to place holds on items in our catalog began on Wednesday, June 10th.
• For information about Curbside Service, click here.
• If you need help selecting items to place on hold, beginning on June 10th, please call (269) 329-4544 and select either the Adult or Youth Department. The phone will be answered at the following times, Monday-Thursday: 10:00 AM-7:00 PM, Fridays: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, and on Saturday: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. You can also email the Adult Department or the Youth Department.

Limited Open

As of Wednesday, June 24th, the Library is open in a limited capacity.

• Patrons may use the library to check out materials, use the public computers or wifi, and make copies.
• By state law, all patrons and staff will be required to wear a mask while they are in the library unless the individual is unable medically to tolerate a face covering or is a child under the age of 2.
• Building capacity will be limited to 25 percent.
• No extended stays or social gatherings are permitted, and patrons may be asked to leave after 1 hour if others are waiting to get in the building.
• All computer sessions are limited to 1 hour per patron, per day.
• Library patrons who do not reside in the same household must maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet at all times.
• Library meeting and study rooms are closed to the public.
• The vending machines and water fountains are unavailable at this time.
• All toys have been removed from the preschool room, however, preschool materials will still be accessible.
• There will be no in-person programs until further notice.
• Hours will be shortened to allow staff time to sort and reshelve quarantine materials, clean the Library, and set up for the following day.
  Limited Open Hours:
  Monday-Thursday: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
  Friday: 10:00AM – 4:00PM
  Saturday :10:00AM – 2:00PM
  Sunday: Closed

Collections that are more likely to spread germs are also unavailable at this time. This includes:

• Newspapers
• Experience Bags
• Discovery Kits
• Telescopes
• Board Games
• Book Discussion Bags
• Give and Take

Heritage Room Rules:
The following changes have been put in place regarding Heritage Room use during this time. Thank you for your understanding and welcome back!

01) Due to the need to follow social distancing, per the Governor’s Executive Order, the Heritage Room will be able to allow only one person or related group (i.e. family) in the Heritage Room at a time. The Heritage Room will remain locked when not in use. To obtain access please ask at the Youth Information Desk and they will be happy to assist you.

02) Due to the need to follow building occupancy guidelines established by the Governor’s Executive Order, time for research in the Heritage Room will be limited to only one (01) hour per day per patron or “group.”

03) Per current guidelines, the Heritage Room can be utilized for Heritage Room research only. It is not to be used for meetings, tutoring, conference calls, or any other non-Heritage Room related activities.

04) Due to the need to de-contaminate library material we ask that any material that you use be placed on the available black cart at the conclusion of your visit. Because of de-contamination issues, certain parts of the Heritage Room collection may be unavailable due to the inability to safely treat said material without damaging it.

05) Due to the need to follow building occupancy guidelines, the Heritage Room Archivist will have limited, fluctuating hours which will be posted next to the door. If you are unable to connect with him in person, please feel free to contact him via phone or email.

Steve Rossio
srossio@portagelibrary.info
(269) 585-8741

Regular Open

No date has been set for this phase, as it depends on guidelines set by State authorities.

Covid-19 Information You Can Use

To learn more about resources related to Covid-19 please click here.