Germantown Public Library

WELCOME BACK!

Germantown Public Library is happy to reopen our building to patrons as of June 29, 2020.  During Phase 4 of Illinois reopening plans, we ask that you follow these safety and health guidelines, as set down by our Library Board. 

• Use hand sanitizer, available in the lobby, before entering the library
• All patrons age 10 and up should wear a mask
• Patrons under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult
• Curbside service is still available
• All returns must be made to the outside drop box
• Maintain a 6-ft distance from those not in your family
• Limit of 10 people in the library building at any one time
• Water fountain and restroom are not currently available
• Only 2 computers available
• ½ hour time limit on our computers, yours or for browsing
• If feeling unwell, please stay home
• We will close 1 hour earlier each day for disinfecting

THANK YOU FOR ABIDING BY THESE TEMPORARY GUIDELINES.  THIS WILL HELP US ALL STAY WELL AND ALLOW THE LIBRARY TO CONTINUE TO BE OPEN TO SERVE YOU!

Sign up now for this year’s summer reading program, “Dig Deeper!” You can call 523-4820 or email us at gma@gtownlibrary.org. Registration is open to kids ages 4 and up and is free as always. Participants can read books and do fun activities to earn prizes. Packets with instructions, puzzles, games and reading logs may be picked up beginning Sat. June 20, so sign up today and keep those reading skills sharp this summer!

We are very happy to announce that the library will begin curbside service to patrons on June 1! You will have access to any library materials which are in our building. Sorry, Interlibrary Loan delivery (from other libraries’ collections) will not begin for some time. While the library building will remain closed to the public, our drop box will be open to return your items. In addition, you may request items we own by calling us at 523-4820 or emailing gma@gtownlibrary.org. You can also place your own requests by clicking on the Library Catalog link at the right side of this page. You will need your library card number to do this. Any questions at all, please contact us and we will be glad to help. Staff will be in the building for our regular hours beginning June 1 and we will contact you when your item is available for pickup. All items will have been quarantined between patrons for your safety. We are looking forward to seeing you again!

The library remains closed through May 31, 2020. At this time we anticipate a gradual reopening possibly beginning in June with curbside pickup, then limited numbers of people inside the building, and hopefully some kind of modified summer reading program. Stay tuned and stay safe!

To comply with the Governor’s stay-at-home order, the library will remain closed through at least April 30. If that order is extended, our closure will also be extended. Continue to check back here or on our Facebook page for updates. A staff member is at the library each day and will check for and answer messages. Continue to call, email or leave a message on Facebook if you have any questions or concerns. If you need your library card number or PIN to access World Book online or download eBooks, we can help with that. We have recorded story times for youngsters and post them to Facebook periodically, so check back often. Stay safe!

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.