Library continues reopening process

It has been so nice to hear how important the library is to our community and we are so grateful to be able to offer you curbside pickup and home delivery. We have opened our book drop if you would like to return items (even those with stickers saying not to put in the book drop), but we want to reassure you that there is no hurry. We are continuing to extend due dates, which are currently into June, and you are not accruing any fines during this time. Visit www.northlakecountylibrary.org for more details on curbside pickup and home delivery.

The library is following a staged, cautious reopening process. The Library Board feels that this is the best and safest plan for all of us. We are considering public safety and have decided that limiting our services at this time is the right thing to do. The plan for our reopening is very much in keeping with what other regional and national libraries are planning or doing, and will continue to be based on decisions about the safety of our patrons and staff, utilizing the best information we have.

If you haven’t checked out all of our new digital resources yet, now is the time. We have had great resources like Montana Library2Go, Flipster, Freegal

and Niche Academy for several years. To help keep you busy at home we have recently added Creativebug, a crafting website and Kanopy, which includes many entertaining and educational films for adults and kids. Ancestry.com has also allowed us to provide access to you at home for a limited time. You will find information and links for all of these services on our new Digital Resources page at www.northlakecountylibrary.org/digital-resources. If you don’t have a library card, just give us a call. We will gladly get you a number and PIN over the phone.

Need some tech help? Heather is available over the phone or through email. You can get in touch with her by calling the library or email her at nlcplibrarytechhelp@gmail.com.

Looking for our regular children’s programming? You will find new videos each week for Mother Goose, Makerspace, and Wiggle Worms on our YouTube channel and on Facebook. We have other videos too, like tech tips and gardening.

Do you need internet access? Our wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is available and accessible from outside the building, including in your vehicle with your own device.

Some of our librarians are able to work in the building and are here answering phones from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are here to help and can get you books,

DVDs, legal forms, federal tax booklets and forms, and can help with other requests. We will do our best to assist you!

Your patience and kindness has been so appreciated by our staff. This is certainly an unusual time for us all and everyone is doing the best job they can. We hope you continue to stay safe and healthy and we can’t wait to hear from you!

—Abbi Dooley, North Lake County Library Director