North Lake County Library resumes curbside delivery
The Library Board of Trustees met last week and unanimously agreed that keeping the library building closed to the public is the best way to keep their staff and community safe.
“We have been closely following the Governor’s recommendations for reopening as well as that of the Lake County Public Health Department,” said Director Abbi Dooley in a press release.
Many services are available despite the building remaining closed. “We understand that our patrons would like to begin receiving library materials again, and [we] recognize the importance of library materials for families without access to the internet at home.”
“However, we would like to note that Lake County is urging everyone to take personal responsibility to act appropriately,” Dooley said. “They are encouraging those of a vulnerable population to continue to stay at home and for all others to limit outings, reminding us all that just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.” With this in mind, the library has instituted strict cleaning and distancing methods to protect staff and patrons.
The library is offering curbside pickup, contactless home delivery to vulnerable residents in the Polson city limits, and mail delivery for vulnerable residents outside the city limits in the library district.
Patrons can once a week place holds on items that are available in the library either online at northlakecountylibrary.org or by calling the library at 883-8225. Items will be available for pick up the following day. The library will call you to arrange a scheduled pick up time. Patrons are required to remain in their car and allow staff to place items in an unoccupied back seat or trunk.
All returns must be through the library book drop. If you are unable to return materials to the library by the due date for any reason, call the library or email at polsoncl@polson.lib.mt.us and they will renew your items, even beyond usual practices if necessary. They ask that you please do not return any items if anyone in your household is or has recently been sick. They are not accepting donated materials at this time.
Further instructions are available on a new link at the top of the website, or by phone.
“We are happy to recommend books and movies that are on our shelves. Federal tax forms and booklets are also available,” Dooley said.
A wide variety of digital (online) services are available through the website’s “Digital Resources” tab, including CreativeBug and trials of Kanopy, Rosetta Stone and TumbleBooks. Ancestry.com is available from home for a limited time. Montana Library2Go, Flipster, Freegal, and Niche Academy are still available. Children’s programming has moved online with Mother Goose, Makerspace, and Wiggle Worms videos posted weekly. They started a YouTube channel offering online programs like gardening and tech help.
Technology Specialist Heather Miles is available for tech help over the phone or through email at nlcplibrarytechhelp@gmail.com. If you are in need of internet, the library’s wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is working and can be accessed from outside the building around the perimeter – including in your vehicle.
If you do not have a library card, call or email and they will get you a number and PIN.
“As long as everyone follows these procedures and continues following precautionary measures we should be able to continue to offer these services,” said Dooley. “If issues arise or circumstances change, the library will revisit our options.”