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You are here: Home / Announcements / COVID-19 Information and Updates

COVID-19 Information and Updates

March 13, 2020 | See all Announcements

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

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • The World Health Organization (WHO)
  • Save the Children
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
  • Kalamazoo County Government
  • MLive
  • How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer
  • How to Explain Coronavirus to Children
  • Help Kalamazoo: Essential Services Assistance

Important Michigan Notices & Information

  • Michigan Income Tax Filing Extended to July
  • Restoration of Public Water
  • Michigan Elections
  • 2020 Census
  • Governor Whitmer’s Executive Orders

Food Resources

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

  • Otsego Public Schools
  • Michigan Public Schools Resource List
  • St. Vincent de Paul Ministry – Otsego
  • Christian Neighbors – Plainwell
  • Michigan Meals Map
  • Senior Services of Southwest Michigan Meals on Wheels
  • MI Bridges (Food & Cash Assistance, State Emergency Relief

Financial Support/Resources

Important financial support information and resources.

  • Unemployment Benefits
  • Resources for Michigan Businesses
  • Resources for Southwest Michigan Businesses
  • Coronavirus Economic Impact Payments from IRS
  • Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
  • Resources for Working Artists
  • Freelancers Relief
  • Michigan Works Southwest

Internet Resources

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

  • Comcast
  • AT&T
  • Xfinity Free Wifi
  • Charter Communications

Filed Under: Announcements

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Monday – Friday

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Saturday

Building Open
10 AM – 3 PM

Drive-Thru Pickup
10 AM – 12 PM
1 – 3 PM

PLEASE NOTE:
Call the library at the Drive-Thru Pickup Window or ring the doorbell for reserve pickup service.

401 Dix Street
Otsego, MI 49078

(269) 694-9690

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