Oak Park Library Phased Approach To Reopen Buildings

Press release from the Oak Park Public Library:

April 29, 2020

We are here for you, and we are in this together

As we respond to the latest information and guidelines from local and national officials around the COVID-19 virus, we want to make sure you have the latest information about your library, too. Because updates and best practices are ever-evolving, please visit oppl.org/covid19 and the library’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for the most current information.

About connecting with us

We are working remotely, answering your questions as quickly as we can. Call us at 708.383.8200 and leave a message. Or ask us via oppl.org/contact. A library staff manager will respond as soon as possible.

Where can I find crisis resources and support? Contact our Social Services and Public Safety team

About public library building access

Following the state’s extended through May stay-at-home order, all three library buildings remain closed until further notice. At the earliest, staff work inside library spaces to prepare for a phased public reopening would begin on Monday, June 1.

A phased approach to a new normal. In short, we know a return to all public spaces and services will not be immediate, nor will it look the same as in a pre-pandemic environment. Putting the health, safety, and well-being of our community and our library staff first, we are planning to reintroduce services following a carefully planned and research-informed approach. For example, initially we expect to open only the Main Library with limited hours and materials access. Dole and Maze branches will remain closed. No in-person public gatherings, library events, or meeting spaces will be immediately available per Oak Park’s order prohibiting local public events through June.

Curbside pickup. Regarding curbside pickup of materials, we think it is unsafe for us to do so at this time. Unlike retail stores and restaurants that offer pickup and delivery, the library circulates materials that may pose a health risk to staff and the public, both when they are handled and then when they are returned. There is no definitive guidance for libraries yet about how long materials must be quarantined before they are returned to the shelves for circulation, but we are monitoring the latest available information. We are hopeful about an important partnership among the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), OCLC Inc., and Batelle. Read more about that research »

Returning and borrowing physical materials. It is also important to know that there is no confirmed timeline yet for our regional library system (RAILS) to begin to deliver SWAN and non-SWAN materials again from library to library.

Looking ahead. As summer continues and the threat of local infections diminishes, more library services and public space use will be reintroduced. At each phase, decisions will be made following orders and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Oak Park Public Health authorities.

About physical library items

How do I return borrowed materials? Keep them for now, and return materials when the Main Library reopens. More details about this are coming closer to June 1. Please note all SWAN due dates have been extended until June 3. And remember, there are no late fines for Oak Park items. Questions? Contact us »

Can I still place holds on physical items? Yes! Through the catalog, you can still place holds on items, but those holds will remain in a queue until buildings reopen. You will be notified when your item is ready for pickup.

Can I create a list of titles without placing holds? Yes! When logged into your library account, you can add titles you want to remember to “My Lists.” Find instructions from SWAN here »

Can I return materials to book drops? Not yet. At this time all book drops remain sealed, and we are not collecting and emptying book drops. We ask that you please hold on to your materials until the Main Library reopens and is accepting returns. More details about this are coming closer to June 1.

Will I be charged overdue fines for non-Oak Park materials? Longer answer here. For now, due dates for all SWAN library materials have been extended until June 3. SWAN is a consortium of nearly 100 west suburban libraries, and when it comes to late fines, the lending library’s rules apply. It can be confusing, so if you have questions, please contact us.

Can I make an interlibrary loan request? Yes! But only online article requests may be fulfilled at this time. Please note, however, that most university and public libraries have temporarily stopped filling all interlibrary loan requests, and therefore we may not be able to obtain your articles at this time. Any requests for physical materials will be postponed until the library reopens. Visit oppl.org/requests »

Can I drop off book donations? Not yet. Please keep your materials donations (books, DVDs, CDs), as we cannot accept any at any library location right now.

How is the library handling materials during this time? We are not. There is no borrowing or lending of any physical materials while the state’s stay-at-home order is in place and building closures continue.

Before opening again to the public, how will the library handle the cleaning of spaces and materials? Thoroughly. We plan to follow CDC and Oak Park guidelines. We are hopeful about an important partnership among the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), OCLC Inc., and Batelle. Read more about that research »

About in-person events, meetings, and community visits

Is the library hosting programs? No, not through August. Library virtual programs continue to be added to oppl.org/calendar.

Can I make new meeting room reservations? Not yet. With circumstances changing daily, we are not accepting meeting room reservations for future dates. We will keep you posted on virtual options and support.

Is the library making outreach visits? Not right now. We are not making any visits or deliveries anywhere, including to homes, daycares, or senior centers, but we are staying connected, conducting virtual visits, and sharing new video content daily at 10 am weekdays for young kids and families.

About Oak Park’s digital library

What if I do not have an Oak Park card yet? Can I get one? Yes! All Oak Park residents who do not yet have a library card can get instant digital access »

My Oak Park account is blocked. What can I do? Contact us and we will work with you.

What if I can’t find or forgot my library card account number (barcode)? Click on this SWAN link, then enter your last name and birthdate. You should receive an email (at the email address associated with your account) with your barcode. If you do not have an email associated with your account, contact us and we can help remotely.

Can you help me reset my PIN? Yes! You can reset your PIN from anywhere, anytime. Enter your library card number and click “Forgot My PIN” on this page. You can also contact us.

What is the digital library? Oak Park cardholders have anywhere, anytime access to massive amounts of growing virtual content. Read, watch, listen, find, learn, and research. Let’s get started »

Hoopla question: I’m trying to stream and download, but I get an error message. What do I need to do? Add your PIN. Hoopla recently required all users to provide their library Personal Identification Number (PIN) to borrow and stream. How to add your PIN to your Hoopla account »

I have another question and want to speak to someone

Please contact us! We continue working remotely, answering your questions as quickly as we can. Call us at 708.383.8200 and leave a message. Or ask us via oppl.org/contact. A library staff member will respond as soon as possible.

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