Library Opens in Phases

Orland Park – On Monday, June 15, the Orland Park Public Library will start Phase 3 of its 5 phase reopening Plan. The library is currently in Phase 2, where the library offers ebooks, online storytimes and webinars, curbside pickup of materials, Take and Make crafts, homebound delivery, and video meeting book discussions.

In Phase 3, the library will reopen to residents of Orland Park by appointment. A limited number of patrons at a time will be able to use the computers, copy documents, browse the materials, and visit the library to obtain or renew a library card.

“This library is a place of learning and a community gathering hub for all ages and backgrounds, so this pandemic has challenged us to think creatively to make library services and materials available to Orland Park in a safe way,” said Library Director Mary Weimar.

The library has purchased sneeze guards, hand sanitizer, face coverings, and many different types of signs to help remind patrons and staff to socially distance. Additionally, the library is taking safety measures including handling materials with gloves and quarantining all materials that are returned for 7 days.

“We have been following the studies very closely to see what scientists find in terms of spreading COVID-19 on the surfaces of books and materials,” Weimar said. “While it looks like COVID-19 cannot live long on paper, many of our books and other items are covered in a layer of clear plastic. Studies are showing COVID-19 can live longer on plastic, so we chose to err on the safe side quarantining the materials for 7 days.”

Offering programs to those who do not use computers or are not used to using computers can be difficult when a majority of programs begin being offered online instead of in person. The library has made sure to offer programs that do not require a computer for each age group.

The library is offering to connect patrons and students with seniors and homebound patrons with a Pen Pal program. This program both helps younger students keep practicing letter writing while out of school and connects them with library patrons who might be feeling isolation and loneliness.

Take and Make crafts are being offered at a first come, first served bases in front of the library. Crafts come with supplies and directions and are offered for different age groups on different days.

“We even thought of the working parents,” Weimar said. “Some Take and Make pickup days have been planned on the weekends to accommodate parents who work during the week.”

There will be a big push in Phase 3 to aid job seekers. The library has designed a webpage around vetted job seeker resources, and several databases are offered at the library for job searching and career researching. The library is also offering 3 webinars coming up to aid job seekers in developing resumes, polishing interview skills, and searching new careers.

Programs designed to help small businesses have also been planned, like the Social Media Marketing Basics webinar.

Appointments to browse the library or use a computer will be taken by phone. The library will be booking a limited amount of patrons at the top of each hour to help keep the capacity of the library low and help patrons socially distance.

“This is a time to browse the collection or use a computer,” said Weimar. “This isn’t a time to bring groups of children in to play. All toys and puzzles will be put away. We don’t want to create a situation where it will be hard for parents to socially distance their children, but we do want youth reading materials to be available to help combat summer slide. It is so important to keep learning over the summer. I would encourage everyone to join the library’s summer reading challenge online today.”