Otsego District Public Library

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Announcements

Book Packs To-Go

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Would you like a library staff member to pick out books for you or your child?

Click on the Book Packs To-Go link that fits your request below and fill out a form. You can list your interests or genre’s you prefer and a staff member will choose up to 10 books that they feel you will enjoy.

Do you like a certain genre or want to learn about a certain subject? Does your child like dinosaurs, fairies, or any other subject? A staff member will choose books to match that subject. The library will put materials on hold for you. When you receive an email, you can pick up your Book Pack To-Go at our drive-through curbside window.

 

Announcing Fine Free ODL and Social Distance Phase Reopening July 13

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 Greetings ODL Patrons!

We hope you are having a great summer despite everything this year has thrown at us so far. We have two very big announcements!

 

PROUD TO BE FINE FREE!

We want to start your July off right with two big announcements. First, the Otsego District Library will be going FINE FREE! The library realizes the barrier to access that fines create for some families and we wish to remove these barriers. In the current phased-based models of service, and with the necessity of quarantining returned materials, collecting overdue fines does not work. It will take some time to get through this process, so please be patient as we work on eliminating overdue fines. Our current priority has been getting the library ready to reopen but we are also excited to announce this good news. Replacement costs for lost and damaged items and materials recovery costs will not be waived but regular overdue fines on books and movies will be!

Regular check out limits will still apply, so you still will need to renew your items to avoid being charged for the materials. The Materials Borrowing Policy will be edited to reflect this change this month. Enjoy your fine free library! We believe that the goodwill in our community by eliminating fines will help our yearly donations to increase. You can make a donation to ODL anytime, from anywhere, at our PayPal account on the “Donate to your Library” button on our website!

 

REOPENING

Our second big announcement is we hope to OPEN our doors again in mid-July!

The library staff have been very busy working hard to prepare for “Phase 4” of our reopening plan. The goal is to open to the public again on MONDAY, JULY 13! We are getting closer to being ready but still have some shields to install, staff training to go through, interior repair work to do, and final cleaning projects to wrap up. The drive up window will remain available during our next phase. All holds must still be picked up at the drive-up window.

Our social distance phase of the library is a “grab and go” model. We ask that you keep library visits brief so others can also use the building safely. We know that you are eager to be back in the library, but we need to limit lingering and gathering at this time.

When we reopen our doors to the public there will be limitations in place and the library will look quite different to you temporarily:

  • 40 PEOPLE, ONE HOUR VISITS: No more than 40 patrons will be in the building at one time and we ask those patrons to limit their time to no more than one hour once per day. If the building is at capacity of 40 you will be asked to wait outside or in your car until others leave.
  • LIMITED GROUPS: Please try to limit your group sizes when you visit, if at all possible, so we can accommodate as many as possible.
  • MASKS REQUIRED: Under current legal guidelines in order for us to be open, all visitors (with the exception of those who cannot medically tolerate it and children under age 2) are required to wear a mask. The library will provide you with a mask if you need one.
  • DO NOT COME SICK: If you are sick or have been around someone diagnosed with Covid-19 we ask that you stay home.
  • COMPUTER SANITIZING AND SHORTENED TIME LIMITS: The computers will be open with a limited capacity and a 60 minute time limit, no extended time will be permitted on the computers. The computers will have keyboard covers and stations will be sanitized after use. Copies, printing and Fax services will resume as normal.
  • TEMPORARILY CLOSED: Newspapers and Launchpads will be unavailable for circulation. All board games and interactive activities are in temporary storage, as well as much of the library furniture and seating. The Early Literacy Center, History Room, Teen Nook, Study Rooms, and Program rooms will be closed. Indoor book drop, coffee, water bottle station, and water fountain are closed.
  • RESTROOMS: Bathrooms will be available but only cleaned once per day, not between uses.
  • COLLECTION CHANGES: Touch screen catalogs are closed. Library displays, new shelves, and book easels are not out in this phase, to limit repeat browsing. All items, including new materials, will be shelved on the regular shelves. The staff has been spending a large amount of time cleaning and sanitizing all the shelves throughout the library.
  • HAIL DAMAGE UPDATE: We also may have some projects still being wrapped up from our roof recovery from the hail damage. Some interior work is still being done and the skylights still need to be replaced. These projects are in motion but not completed. All the skylights need to be custom ordered and created. We are not sure yet if the skylight replacement will mean a service interruption or not.
  • HOW WE ARE TRYING TO BE SAFE: For everyone’s safety and to reduce the spread of germs, we have installed shields on the service desks, spread out computer stations, and sanitizer stations are set up around the library. We ask that patrons do not hand materials or library cards to our staff. Staff will be trained in how to keep transactions as contactless as possible. Only the outdoor book/materials return drop will be open. The interior book drop will not be available. Do not bring materials you are returning into the library; utilize the drive thru book drop instead. No food or beverage will be permitted in the building. One-way aisle markers and social distancing signage have been placed throughout the building. All incoming materials will continue to be “quarantined” for 3 days. Programs will continue to be virtual.
  • QUARANTINE BROWSE BINS: The library requests that you only handle material you want to check out, however if you do browse an item and decide you don’t want it, please place it in one of our Quarantine Browse Bins to be sanitized by quarantine for 72 hours.
  • EVEN WITH ALL OF THESE GOOD FAITH EFFORTS, THE LIBRARY IS A PUBLIC SPACE AND WE CAN NOT GUARANTEE THE BUILDING WILL BE SANITIZED AT ALL TIMES. While staff will work hard to sanitize computer stations and touch points throughout the day, there is no way that the library can guarantee a completely germ- free environment in a public space. We urge you to use our drive up window or send a relative/friend if you are immune compromised. We ask for your cooperation as a community to not visit if you or your family are or have been sick in the last 14 days, wear your masks, wash your hands, keep visits brief and to the point, and continue utilizing the drive up window for your holds. It is our desire to keep our staff and community safe.

Although these temporary limitations have been put in place, we continue to hope for the good health of our community and look forward to the day when we can return to full service.

Library leadership will continue to monitor conditions daily and adjust services accordingly. If things for Allegan County change, we may need to pause and step back a phase.

We hope you have a great summer and we have been so happy to see some of you again at our drive up window!

Register for Imagine Your Story – Summer Reading Program

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Children’s Summer Reading Program
(Birth – 5th Grade)
Saturday, June 27 – August 1

Once Upon a Time…this is how most fairy tales begin. The Otsego District Library is writing a revised tale for our Summer Reading Program. Ironically, the theme for this year’s Summer Reading Programs is “IMAGINE YOUR STORY”. We all need to re-imagine the world we are presently living in. The library is excited for you to IMAGINE YOUR STORY along with us this summer.

Our program will be available online this year through Wandoo Reader.

This is an easy program to record your child’s reading progress and set personal goals. The minimum goal for children is to read 20 days, but we encourage you to set the amount of days that seems right for your story.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE CHILDREN’S SUMMER READING PROGRAM

Library programs in the building will not be allowed this summer, but we are busy imagining what virtual programs we can offer.

We hope you and your children can “IMAGINE YOUR STORY” this summer along with the library.

 

Teen & Tween Summer Reading Program
(Middle School – High School)
Saturday, June 27 – August 1

For the first time in Otsego Library history we will be offering an ONLINE summer reading program through Wandoo Reader.

Set a goal and track your reading while participating in online challenges. The minimum goal for each teen and tween is to read FIVE age appropriate books.

Library programs in the building will not be allowed this summer, but we are busy imagining what virtual programs we can offer.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE TEEN AND TWEEN SUMMER READING PROGRAM

 

Grand Prizes & Finisher Prize Bags (For all ages)
All participants who reach their reading goal will receive an awesome finisher bag filled with a book plus activities they can do at home and in their own backyards.

Finisher Prize Bags donated by the Friends of the Library – bags will be available for pickup late summer.

 

Click HERE for the Summer Newsletter with
all of the details on summer reading!

Library Phased Re-Opening Plan

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OSHA Workplace Preparedness and Response Plan

MIOSHA COVID-19 Workplace Guidelines – Remote Work Policy

FOLLOW LIBRARY ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR DETAILS

PHASE 1

SHELTER AT HOME – Public services limited to digital interactions
It is with great sadness but also hope for the health and safety of our community that we share that Otsego District Library will be closed temporarily to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We realize that this may present a hardship to some of our patrons and regret that we must close.

PHASE 2

FIRST, the Allegan County Health Department should give the okay for staff to return to work with the proper safety and social distancing procedures in place.
SECOND, the Library must have enough PPE to protect staff: infrared thermometer, hand sanitizers, soap, gloves, masks, sanitizing wipes, disinfectant spray, to last for a minimum one month, so as to provide enough time to order more as necessary.
At the all clear on both of these, the library will open to staff the following Monday after Shelter at Home is lifted or as soon as possible, as both of these steps are all clear, if delayed by either of the first two key triggers to reopen to staff.

  • The library begins to reopen Monday, June 8: Nonessential ODL Staff return to work to prepare for a drive thru pickup model
  • Staff return to building and work full hours on preparing for curbside, cleaning, organizing, projects.
  • Wednesday, June 10: Book-drop reopens and patrons may begin placing holds. All materials returned will be quarantined for 7 days. Your returns will not be checked in for four days after you return them. No fines will be accrued during the quarantine period because all check-ins will be backdated 7 days.
  • Patrons can begin placing holds during this week for drive up window to open the following week.
  • Monday, June 15: Drive Thru Pickup Window Opens (Procedure follows)

PHASE 3

  • One Week after Shelter at Home is lifted JUNE 15
  • Drive Up Window in break room opens.
  • Public Service hours at the window will be condensed from 58 to 45 hours with the following open curbside window hours:
    Monday – Friday · 10 AM – 6 PM and Sat 10 AM – 3 PM
  • Summer Reading Program and some other programs (ie take-out crafts) will be offered through the Drive Up Window. Summer Reading Program will be done digitally via Wandoo Reader.
  • All Book Returns go in thru the Outdoor Book Drop.
  • Friends Store will be closed and donations not accepted during this phase.

PHASE 4 – CURRENT PHASE

LIBRARY OPENS IN A SOCIAL DISTANCE MODEL
When determined safe by Allegan County Health Department and enough PPE available for community and staff use:

  • Computer stations will be limited to every other station, and sanitized after each use. Time on computers will be shortened.
  • Building capacity rules will be followed, patrons may be requested to limit to one family member and masks may be requested. Patrons may receive a time limit on building use.
  • Staff will have two members on circulation desk, and all service points will continue to wear masks as long as advised to do so by state officials.
  • Some interactive areas of the library will be closed to the public: Early Literacy Center, comfortable seating, games, coffee area, etc.
  • Library use will be limited to choosing materials and picking up, study, wifi and computer use.
  • Patrons will be encouraged to take materials home to read rather than linger or meet in library.
  • All patrons will primarily use the self-checkout stations. Staff will assist as needed but materials will not be handed back and forth between patrons and staff.
  • Friends Store will be closed and donations not accepted during this phase.
  • Outdoor Book drop only. No indoor book drop use or handing materials to staff at desk.
  • Drive Up Window encouraged and continued.
  • Condensed Library Hours remain in effect.

PHASE 5

LIBRARY OPENS TO FULL SERVICE MODEL
When Determined Safe by Allegan County Health Department and Group Gathering Restrictions are lifted by State of MI. Some parts of phase five may return sooner than others.

  • Library stops quarantining returned materials
  • Friends donations are allowed again, Friends store reopens.
  • Indoor Book Drop reopens, Drive Up Window encouraged and continued.
  • Library comfortable seating and all computer stations available
  • Reading, coffee area, Early Literacy Center and other regular library usage returns.
  • Regular library programs and room rentals return
  • Regular Library Hours return.

Important Information to Know During the Closure

Why did/are you closed?
On Thursday, March 12, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a mandate to close all Michigan schools grades K-12 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Whitmer also urged all Michigan residents to practice self-isolation by staying home. Otsego District Library considers the health of our patrons and staff a top priority. To help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 among the high number of residents who utilize our library locations on a daily basis, and thus increasing the risk of exposure to the rest of our community, we will comply with the Governor’s order.
 
What if I have library materials currently checked out?
****Please keep them until we reopen.**** Due dates and holds will automatically be extended to accommodate the closure period. Due dates on MelCat items will also be extended and new requests will not be filled at this time. Please note all drop boxes will be locked and unavailable during the closure.You will not accrue any fines during this time period.
 
Will any ODL services be available during the closure period?
While our physical building is closed, ODL offers a large variety of digital options including eBooks, eAudiobooks, eVideos, eMusic and eMagazines. Learn how you can “get digital” at otsegolibrary.org/read-it.
 

COVID-19 Information & Resources

Important Michigan Notices & Information

Food Resources

The following local organizations are providing free food services for families in need.

Financial Support/Resources

Important financial support information and resources.

Internet Resources

The following internet providers are offering limited free or reduced internet for students.

Phased Reopening Plan

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CLICK HERE for a current draft of the Otsego District Library’s Phased Reopening Plan.

We are excited for our drive-up window to open for you, but need to have the proper safety procedures and PPE in place first. All dates, details, and services listed in this plan may change as we monitor this situation on a daily basis.

Stay safe and hopefully we will get to see you in June!

Ancestry Access – Research your Family Tree from Home!

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Temporarily access Ancestry Library Edition from home! 

Start searching billions of records and discover your family’s story. Find ancestors in the complete set of U.S. Federal Census images from 1790-1940, including name indexes. When did those significant life changing events happen in your ancestors life? Search our Vital Records to find out. Did your ancestors serve in the Military? Ancestry’s collection of military records, passenger listings, and immigration records. There is so much you can learn from Ancestry.

To access Ancestry from home you will need to contact the Otsego District Public Library at jcook@otsegolibrary.org to request a password.

UPDATE: Remote access to Ancestry Library Edition for current subscribers has been temporarily extended through December 31, 2021. Remote access will be re-evaluated monthly as needed.

Once you receive your password:

  1. Type it into the password request box below. You may be prompted to enter the password more than one time.
  2. Once the correct password is entered, the link for Ancestry access will appear below directly below, on this same screen.
  3. Click through to use and enjoy Ancestry services!
This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

COVID-19 Information and Updates

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OSHA Workplace Preparedness and Response Plan

MIOSHA COVID-19 Workplace Guidelines – Remote Work Policy

FOLLOW LIBRARY ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR DETAILS

PHASE 1

SHELTER AT HOME – Public services limited to digital interactions
It is with great sadness but also hope for the health and safety of our community that we share that Otsego District Library will be closed temporarily to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We realize that this may present a hardship to some of our patrons and regret that we must close.

PHASE 2

FIRST, the Allegan County Health Department should give the okay for staff to return to work with the proper safety and social distancing procedures in place.
SECOND, the Library must have enough PPE to protect staff: infrared thermometer, hand sanitizers, soap, gloves, masks, sanitizing wipes, disinfectant spray, to last for a minimum one month, so as to provide enough time to order more as necessary.
At the all clear on both of these, the library will open to staff the following Monday after Shelter at Home is lifted or as soon as possible, as both of these steps are all clear, if delayed by either of the first two key triggers to reopen to staff.

  • The library begins to reopen Monday, June 8: Nonessential ODL Staff return to work to prepare for a drive thru pickup model
  • Staff return to building and work full hours on preparing for curbside, cleaning, organizing, projects.
  • Wednesday, June 10: Book-drop reopens and patrons may begin placing holds. All materials returned will be quarantined for 7 days. Your returns will not be checked in for four days after you return them. No fines will be accrued during the quarantine period because all check-ins will be backdated 7 days.
  • Patrons can begin placing holds during this week for drive up window to open the following week.
  • Monday, June 15: Drive Thru Pickup Window Opens (Procedure follows)

PHASE 3

  • One Week after Shelter at Home is lifted JUNE 15
  • Drive Up Window in break room opens.
  • Public Service hours at the window will be condensed from 58 to 45 hours with the following open curbside window hours:
    Monday – Friday · 10 AM – 6 PM and Sat 10 AM – 3 PM
  • Summer Reading Program and some other programs (ex: take and make crafts) will be offered through the Drive Up Window.
  • All Book Returns go in thru the Outdoor Book Drop.
  • Friends Store will be closed and donations not accepted during this phase.

PHASE 4 – CURRENT PHASE

LIBRARY OPENS IN A SOCIAL DISTANCE MODEL
When determined safe by Allegan County Health Department and enough PPE available for community and staff use:

  • Computer stations will be limited to every other station, and sanitized after each use. Time on computers will be shortened.
  • Building capacity rules will be followed, patrons may be requested to limit to one family member and masks may be requested. Patrons may receive a time limit on building use.
  • Staff will have two members on circulation desk, and all service points will continue to wear masks as long as advised to do so by state officials.
  • Some interactive areas of the library will be closed to the public: Early Literacy Center, comfortable seating, games, coffee area, etc.
  • Library use will be limited to choosing materials and picking up, study, Wi-Fi and computer use.
  • Patrons will be encouraged to take materials home to read rather than linger or meet in library.
  • All patrons will primarily use the self-checkout stations. Staff will assist as needed but materials will not be handed back and forth between patrons and staff.
  • Friends Store will be closed and donations not accepted during this phase.
  • Outdoor Book drop only. No indoor book drop use or handing materials to staff at desk.
  • Drive Up Window encouraged and continued.
  • Condensed Library Hours remain in effect.

PHASE 5

LIBRARY OPENS TO FULL SERVICE MODEL
When Determined Safe by Allegan County Health Department and Group Gathering Restrictions are lifted by State of MI. Some parts of phase five may return sooner than others.

  • Library stops quarantining returned materials
  • Friends donations are allowed again, Friends store reopens.
  • Indoor Book Drop reopens, Drive Up Window encouraged and continued.
  • Library comfortable seating and all computer stations available
  • Reading, coffee area, Early Literacy Center and other regular library usage returns.
  • Regular library programs and room rentals return
  • Regular Library Hours return.

Important Information to Know During a Library Closure

Why did/are you closed?
On Thursday, March 12, 2020 Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a mandate to close all Michigan schools grades K-12 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Whitmer also urged all Michigan residents to practice self-isolation by staying home. Otsego District Library considers the health of our patrons and staff a top priority. To help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 among the high number of residents who utilize our library locations on a daily basis, and thus increasing the risk of exposure to the rest of our community, we will comply with the Governor’s order.
 
What if I have library materials currently checked out?
****Please keep them until the library reopens.**** Due dates and holds will automatically be extended to accommodate the closure period. Due dates on MelCat items will also be extended and new requests will not be filled at this time. Please note all drop boxes will be locked and unavailable during the closure. You will not accrue any fines during this time period.
 
Will any ODL services be available during the closure period?
While our physical building is closed, ODL offers a large variety of digital options including eBooks, eAudiobooks, eVideos, eMusic and eMagazines. Learn how you can “get digital” at otsegolibrary.org/read-it.
 

COVID-19 Information & Resources

Important Michigan Notices & Information

Food Resources

The following local organizations are providing free food services for families in need.

Financial Support/Resources

Important financial support information and resources.

Internet Resources

The following internet providers are offering limited free or reduced internet for students.

Library’s Self-Checkout Machine Changes & Updates

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Image result for bibliotheca self checkoutAs you may have noticed, the library got new self-checkout machines at the end of February. We have been disappointed with the performance of these machines as well as our check in pads, and have decided to return the products and get something that works better for our community. We worked hard to quickly obtain replacements, however we want to give you a heads up that there may be a short window of interruption (a few days or a week or two – yet to be determined) between returning the ones that don’t work well and installing the replacement machines. Staff will be able to check items out for you with the barcode scanners at the desk.

The vendor for the new self-checkout machines is working to expedite our order so we will have it installed as quickly as possible.We apologize in advance for any inconvenience or wait times this may cause on busy days. We are hopeful there will only be a few days in the transition time between products. We definitely want to have products that work well for you at your library!

Thank you!!!

All Programs Cancelled Until Further Notice

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ODL Coronavirus Disease 2019 Update (COVID-19)

The Otsego District Library truly cares about our community, our patrons, and our staff.

Many of our patrons fall into the at-risk category for Coronavirus. We urge you to stay home and not visit the library if you feel sick or have any of the symptoms of Coronavirus or if you are an at-risk individual.

In light of the recommendations of Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to slow the spread, we are closely monitoring the situation and taking the preventative measures recommended, including:

  • Per recommendations to limit large group gatherings, all library programs are cancelled until further notice. Some of these events, including the Leslie Helakoski author visit, will be rescheduled to later dates.
  • We request that staff and patrons who are feeling sick stay home.
  • The community puzzle has been put away temporarily, as well as toys that are hard to sanitize in the children’s area.
  • There is a hand sanitizer station available at the entry to the library.
  • There are disinfectant wipes available to wipe down computer workstations.
  • The library will remain open during regular hours. We hope to continue to provide you with the WiFi and access to information that you need to continue your daily school and business work.
  • The library will not be disinfecting library materials (books and movies), as the CDC has declared this as ineffective. However, library staff will work diligently to clean surfaces and touch points in the library.
  • We urge patrons to check out some of the library’s digital services: Rocket Languages, and Libby!

Helpful Coronavirus information can be found at:

https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus 

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. You are truly an awesome community and we will do our best to continue to serve you in the safest way possible!

Andrea Estelle
Otsego District Library Director

 

Click HERE to read the recommendation from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

For those who are limiting their exposure by staying home but still wish to use library services, remember that ODLP offers a large variety of digital materials through Overdrive/Libby, Rocket Languages, and so many more. Click HERE for more information on digital downloads.