Germantown Public Library

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the library board has decided to CLOSE the library to help slow the spread of this virus. As of now, the library will be closed beginning March 17 through at least April 9. The full statement follows.

News Release and Public Information Announcement

GERMANTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY Closure March 17-April 9, 2020:

After much deliberation, the Germantown Public Library District Board of Directors voted at a special meeting held March 16 to close the library to the public to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).  Closure will be in effect Tuesday, March 17 through Thursday April 9, 2020. 

On March 13, Governor Pritzker mandated that all schools in the state be closed.  Since then, the Illinois Library Association has recommended that public libraries close their doors and library staff stay home as much as possible.  In addition, the Illinois Heartland Library System has suspended delivery of materials among libraries.  So, for the safety of staff and patrons, as well as an obligation to be part of a community effort to minimize the strain COVID-19 will have on our local health care systems, we have sadly taken this needed action. 

Here’s what the closing will entail:

• Overdue fines will not accrue for the dates we are closed, March 17 through April 9.  All items currently checked out will be renewed until the library reopens.  You may renew your items online or call us to renew. 
• Books should NOT be returned.  Our book drop will be locked during the time the library is closed.  Please hold all library materials until we reopen. 
• If you had items requested, your request will be filled when we reopen and interlibrary loan delivery resumes. 
• We are unable to accept donated items at this time. 

The library hopes to continue to support the community as much as possible during these difficult and unusual times.  The following services will continue during the closure:

• Staff will be at the library for some part of each day we would have normally been open, to offer phone and email assistance.  Please call us at 523-4820 or email gma@gtownlibrary.org with any questions or concerns.  We will get back to you as soon as possible.  You may also leave messages on our Facebook page. 
• Wi-Fi will continue to be available on library grounds. 
• Electronic Resources: eBooks and eAudiobooks are always available online through our website www.gtownlibrary.org You can also download the free Cloud Library app via yourcloudLibrary.com or from the Apple App or Google Play stores. 
• Access to World Book Encyclopedia online is available from our website.  Explore our website for more resources and ideas under the “Book Lover’s Links” and “Kids Corner” tabs.  
• Fax and copy services are offered at Germantown Bank and Trust.  Call them first at 523-4202 to be sure of availability and prices. 

We are taking steps to ensure the Germantown community has access to information and resources during this time.  Patrons should refer to the library’s website, www.gtownlibrary.org, Facebook page or phone line, 523-4820, for up-to-date information regarding our closing.  You can help prevent the spread of the virus through the library and its materials by refraining from eating while reading and do not lick your fingers when turning the pages of a book.  Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. 

We understand and apologize for any inconvenience but feel we must prioritize the safety of our staff and the public.  Thank you for your patience, understanding and patronage.  Please remember the situation is rapidly changing and we will constantly re-evaluate and make changes as needed based on community conditions and guidance from public health officials. 

Joan Young, Library Director

Board of Trustees, Germantown Public Library

As of March 13, the library is cancelling programs such as Monthly Story Time and Lego Club. We are disinfecting surfaces at the library daily and will clean and disinfect our childrens’ toys.

We will stay open at least through Monday March 16 and the board will decide what to do after that date, in light of school closures and recommendations from the local, state and federal government. Health and safety are our highest priorities. If you are sick, please do not come to the library. You can always call us at 523-4820 or email us at gma@gtownlibrary.org to request items or renewals of items you already have. This could be a great time to try eBooks through our Cloud Library. Download the app via yourcloudlibrary.com. Contact us with any questions, stay safe and wash your hands!

St. Joseph’s Hospital spring health fair events have all been postponed until further notice.

The library will be closed Monday February 17 for Presidents’ Day.

The Germantown Library is currently accepting resumes and seeking qualified applicants for the position of Library Director. The Director reports to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the library operation to efficiently and effectively serve the needs of the public. The successful candidate must be well organized, a self starter, committed to public service and have excellent interpersonal skills. The Library Director will supervise the library staff and volunteers and be a general advisor to the Board of Trustees on issues of policy, grant information and financial needs. A Bachelor’s degree and/or library experience is preferred, but not required. This position is part-time, 20-22 hours per week, but candidates must be available for daytime, evening and some weekend shifts. The position will be open in July 2020 due to the retirement of the current Library Director. Applicants should submit a resume to Germantown Public Library, 403 Munster St., PO Box 244, Germantown, IL 62245 or via email at gma@gtownlibrary.org.

Stop in any time from 9 to noon on Sat. Feb. 22 to learn more about this fun free program we are bringing in to the Germantown Library. Sign up children from birth through entering kindergarten. Get all the materials you need to track what you read and earn incentives along the way to reading 1000 books before kindergarten. Snacks provided too.

Join us for a “Snow Fun” story time on Wednesday, January 29 at 11am. Stories, games and a craft. This is a free event open to all children ages 1-5.

The library will be closed Monday, January 20 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Come in to purchase a raffle ticket to support the library and possibly win this beautiful 25th anniversary quilt. You really have to see it with your own eyes to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5