Oak Lawn Public Library Re-Opens July 13 After Shutdown

OAK LAWN, IL — After almost four months of COVID-19 closure, the Oak Lawn Public Library will reopen on Monday, July 13. The library will continue to offer curbside service, but patrons will now be allowed inside to browse the shelves and check out materials. Depending on capacity, patrons may be asked to stand in line outside if necessary.

Patrons will be required to wear masks in the building; masks will be provided, but the preference is for patrons to bring their own masks. Hand sanitizer stations will also be installed throughout the library, and high-touch services will be cleaned and disinfected during library hours. Signs will be placed throughout the library reminding patrons to practice social distancing. For the safety of patrons and employees, every public desk will be protected by safety shields.

Public computers will be available by appointment only for one-hour sessions, at 708-422-4990.. Printer, copier and fax services are offered. The public restrooms will be open, but the library is requesting that only one person at a time use the restrooms. Elevators are also limited to one person at a time.

>>> Curbside Pickup Starts Tuesday At The Oak Lawn Public Library

Patrons may notice that most of the tables and chairs have been removed from the public area. This is to discourage lingering in the library.

“We want this to be a grab and go service,” library spokesman Tom Javorcic said.

In addition, books and other materials removed by patrons from the shelves must be placed in available carts, so they can be disinfected should patrons decide that don’t want that item before it is placed back on the shelf.

The local history and teen rooms, as well as the cafe and study and meeting rooms will be closed until further notice. However, the historian, Kevin Korst, will be available to answer questions by email at kkorst@olpl.org or by phone, 708-422-4990 Ext. 530.

Book and food donations for village food pantries are also suspended.

Library hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday (corrected). Hours for seniors and immune compromised persons will be 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Curbside pickup will continue from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. This service is available to Oak Lawn residents only.

The library is NOT accepting donations of any kind at this time, including food for the food pantry and books, CDs, DVDs and other materials for Friends of the Oak Lawn Public Library. For more information regarding instructions for placing holds and picking up materials, please call 708-422-4990, visit www.olpl.org, or use the Ask a Librarian feature.