Welcome Back to the Library! Frequently Asked Questions What should I expect when I visit the library? We are so happy to welcome you back to the library. You will notice that our spaces look a bit different as we have taken measures to comply with CDC guidelines related to physical distancing. We have put much thought and planning into how we can offer important library resources and services while still protecting the health of library visitors and staff. Though our locations will be open to the public, we will continue to provide important services such as our virtual library and curbside delivery. As currently planned, there will be no ACPL-led or sponsored programs in our buildings until at least October 1. It is difficult, as our staff love to plan and host programs. However, we also realize that it would be difficult to enforce physical distancing at most of our programs. In the meantime, many programs are now being conducted online. Click here for more information on our Virtual Library. Thank you for following library guidelines and for your patience and cooperation. This is truly an unprecedented situation for our nation and the library. Are all ACPL locations open? As of Monday, July 6 all ACPL locations will be open to the public. Please note that hours may have changed. Information for specific locations can be found here. What measures is ACPL taking to keep library users safe? The safety and health of library visitors and staff is our top priority. You will see the following changes when you visit the library.     Plexi glass shields have been installed at service desks Masks are required for library visitors and staff. Hand sanitizer stations are placed throughout the building We have added touch-free technology to our self-checkout stations         Some computer stations have been taken out of service in order to promote physical distancing Disposable keyboard and mouse covers have been provided for customer use and will be changed after each computer session Quick Assist, a remote chat tool, is available on public computers, allowing staff to assist computer users remotely and maintain physical distance The number of chairs throughout the building have been reduced in order to promote physical distancing Library visitors and staff must wear masks Floor signage will mark 6-foot increments at customer service points and self-serve areas Interactive items and toys in children’s areas have been removed or covered Library flyers and other paper materials have been removed from public service desks Is there a limit on the number of visitors allowed in the library? In accordance with Governor Holcomb’s guidelines for Phase 5 of Back on Track Indiana, we are not imposing limits on the number of people allowed in the library at any given time. However, if the number of visitors does not allow for physical distancing, library staff may temporarily prohibit additional visitors from entering the branch or specific department at the Main Branch. Do I need to wear a mask while I’m at the library? Yes. Wearing a mask is required for the health and safety library visitors and staff. You must wear a mask to enter a library building. If you need a mask, please just ask. We will be happy to provide one to you. If you are uncomfortable wearing a mask for any reason, we will be happy to help you through curbside delivery, digital resources, by phone at 421-1200 or email at Ask@acpl.info. Are there any limitations on browsing while I’m at the library? You will be able to browse the collection. We request that if you handle an item but decide not to check it out, please do not return the item to the shelf. Instead, please place the item on a designated cart or table and library staff will return it to the shelf. What if I don’t feel comfortable coming into the library? Curbside delivery will still be available at all locations except for the Shawnee Branch. Beginning Monday, July 6 the following hours will be in effect for curbside delivery. Monday – Friday 3pm – 6pm at all branch locations except for Shawnee. Saturday 1pm – 4pm at Main, Aboite, Dupont and Georgetown Sunday 1pm – 4pm at Main We also have electronic resources and online programs available. You can access more information on virtual library here. How is ACPL keeping its staff safe? The health and safety of our staff has been, and continues to be, one of our top priorities. We have taken the following steps as an organization.          Pandemic Health and Safety Procedures were created and distributed to all staff A Covid Materials Return Procedure was created and distributed to all staff. Work spaces have been reconfigured and relocated to support physical distancing Telework options were offered to those employees who needed and were able to work from home Staff have been required to wear masks when unable to provide at least 6 feet of distance from each other, and HR has made masks available to employees as needed. Library visitors must wear masks as well. In those situations when COVID-19 was suspected, management has followed CDC protocols We have established curbside delivery as a one-way service; returned materials must be placed in book drops Returned materials are quarantined for 24 hours, and gloves are made available to those who wish to use them when processing returns Plexi glass shields have been ordered and installed at public service stations Can I book a meeting room or study room? Meeting rooms at library branches will not be available until October 1. Study rooms will be limited to two people and may be reserved by calling the specific library location. Meeting rooms at the Main Library are available for reservation. Please note that the rooms will be set up to reflect physical distancing recommendations. More information can be found at www.acpl.info. Are ACPL’s special collections available? The Genealogy Center will be open to visitors. Staff will be on hand to assist with your research and answer questions, while maintaining appropriate physical distance. Due to space constraints in the areas that house the Fine Books Room and Lincoln Collection, tours of those collections will not be available at this time. However, the majority of the items in the Lincoln Collection have been digitized and can be viewed through the library’s website. How do I return materials to the library? Please place returned items in a drop box. These are located both inside and outside the library buildings. You will not be able to return items via curbside delivery. How is ACPL caring for returned materials? ACPL’s practice since the onset of COVID-19 has been to quarantine returned materials for 24 hours before re-shelving or transferring to other locations in the library system. ACPL will continue to evaluate the sustainability of this practice upon reopening and will be guided by the research being done on this issue. How long is an item on hold held for me during this time? Once your materials becomes available for pickup, they will be available for 7 days. Will holds take longer during this time? Because we are quarantining returned items for 24 hours, this may result in a bit longer wait time for holds to become available. Will ACPL still offer self-checkout of materials? Yes, self-checkout will still be available. Out of concern for the health of library users, we have installed touch-free technology at all self-checkout stations. Can I use ACPL computers during this time? You may use ACPL computers. Please note that some computer stations have been taken out of service in order to create physical distancing. Reservations may be made in-person, online, or by calling your local library. Are you accepting donated materials at this time? We appreciate that many people spent their time at home conducting spring cleaning and have materials they wish to donate to the library and the Friends of the Library. However, we are not accepting donations of books, music, movies, or other items at this time.