Des Plaines Public Library Addresses Questions During Coronavirus Closure

Press release from the Des Plaines Public Library:

When the pandemic closed the schools, we followed their example (as stated in our pandemic plan). We don't know when we will be able to reopen; that depends on the virus' spread, Governor Pritzker, and our continued efforts to keep our public and staff safe and healthy.

#1 Staff is working remotely and answering patron questions whenever they come in. If your question is not listed below, please email Help@dppl.org and we will get back to you very quickly.

1. Can I return books?
   1. Please hang on to your materials - and enjoy them! The bookdrops and the hallway returns are all closed while the library is closed. There are no staff in the building to check them in or put them back on the shelf.
2. Will I have fines or overdue books?
   1. We suspended ALL fines while we are closed, and NO items are due until at least April 8th. (You can check your account online at dppl.org)
3. What about my Interlibrary loan items?
   1. ILL materials are not due either. Libraries all over the country are closed and they do not expect us to return those item in such a crisis.
4. OK, I'm ready to check out an e-book or take an online class. How do I do that?
   1. Check out all of our e-resources on our web site. You can use your smartphone, tablet, PC, Kindle, or even a smart TV (for movies and TV shows). Email us at help@dppl.org if you need help in any way.
   2. Want to learn something new or brush up your job skills? We have SO MUCH for you to do at home. Learn a language, how to to paint with watercolors, or knit!
5. What do you have for kids online? We miss storytime!
   1. We've got lots for kids of all ages; games, online reading, even talking picture books.
6. I have holds on the shelf - can I pick them up?
   1. Those holds are still on the shelf and will be waiting for you when we can re-open the building.
7. What about picking up tax forms? Or meeting with an AARP tax volunteer?
   1. Good news, your taxes are not due until July 15! AARP cancelled all of its tax appointments before the library closed. We wil post information as soon as we know what their plans will be. If you have a printer at home, we have a long list of online forms that you can print out.
8. I don't have a library card! My library card is expired! My card has a fine on it!
   1. More good news, we are busy making folks online cards that they can use right away for all of our e-collections. Click here if you need a new library card, or email help@dppl.org with your card number if you need to renew a card or have a fine waived.
9. Did the Senior Lunch move to another location?
   1. Yes! The Center of Concern is operating meal pickups for adults over the age of 60 every Wednesday out of the Center of Concern Office -1665 Elk Blvd in Des Plaines. Call Amanda at at 847-823-0453 x 1013 by 10 AM the day before (Tuesday), to make a pickup appointment. Participants are asked to open their trunks to allow Tom to place the meals in the vehicle without having any actual contact. The meal packs are frozen, and contain 5 meals each.
10. I need to print something out, can I do it at the library?
    1. FedEx and UPS are still open as essential services. Our local stores are FedEx on Northwest Highway, and UPS on Lee Street. Call first to confirm that they can help you.

This press release was produced by the Des Plaines Public Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.