News

TEEN/TWEEN SUMMER READING PROGRAM

June 19, 2020 | See all Announcements

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. Check out the Children’s Summer Reading Program Page for details on Grand Prizes and Finisher Prize Bags.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE TEEN AND TWEEN SUMMER READING PROGRAM – Registration begins Monday, June 22.

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.

Gift cards will be awarded as Grand Prizes to some of the lucky participants donated by Meijer!
– First Prize $300 Meijer Gift Card
– Second Prize $200 Meijer Gift Card
– Third Prize $100 Meijer Gift Card
– EIGHT $50 Meijer Gift Cards

Do you have an elementary school or younger aged child? Click HERE for more information on the Children’s Summer Reading Program!

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

ANNOUNCING ODL’s NEW DRIVE THRU PICKUP!

June 19, 2020 | See all Announcements

We are so excited to be offering a Drive-Thru Pickup Window to our patrons!

The window is located directly after our materials return slots. Please, return materials before the pick-up window.

Log into your library account and place your reserves at otsegolibrary.org and pick them up after you have been emailed that they are available. All you need is your library card number. Give us a call at (269)694-9690 if you are having trouble logging into your account. NO REQUESTS AT THE DRIVE UP WINDOW.

Please remember that the drive-thru has one way access. Do not pass other vehicles. For your safety we are not allowing walk-up or bicycle access – please remain in your vehicle.

Open window hours will be: Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-3.

Because we do not know the volume of cars to expect at first, we request that you enter on Platt Street and pull up to the library’s marked drive thru pickup window (just beyond the drive thru book drop). Please do not block Dix Street waiting in line. Use the Platt Street entrance instead.

Library staff will be at the curbside window. There is a two-way intercom. Staff will request your library card number, please have this handy to read to them. They will not be collecting your physical card. If you do not have a library card, they will ask an identifying verification question to confirm your identity. Staff will checkout your holds to you, and deliver them through the window. Your items will be slid out the window to you in a bag inside a tub.

Items requested will be held for 7 days before being returned to the shelves. Fines may not be paid at the window. Please utilize the book drop for book returns. Staff will NOT take returned items at the window. Please call the library with any issues with your library card do not address library issues at the curbside window. The drive thru pickup is for drive thru pickup of holds ONLY. ABSOLUTELY NO WALK-UP or BICYCLE CHECKOUTS at the window, FOR YOUR SAFETY THE DRIVE-UP WINDOW IS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES ONLY and all patrons must remain inside of their vehicle.

Staff will only bring items to the window that are already on hold via the methods described above. Please do not pull up the window and then request your items.

Regular material limits and checkout rules, and fees for lost/damaged items apply.

We will also offer Interlibrary loan via curbside pickup when the Melcat service returns.

Enjoy the new Drive Thru Window Pickup Service at YOUR library!

Library Phased Re-Opening Plan

June 2, 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

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

May 14, 2020 | See all Announcements

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!

April 21, 2020 | See all Announcements

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:

Type it into the password request box below. You may be prompted to enter the password more than one time.
Once the correct password is entered, the link for Ancestry access will appear below directly below, on this same screen.
Click through to use and enjoy Ancestry services!

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

Rocket Languages

April 6, 2020 | See all Announcements

Learn a new language for FREE in your own time!

Rocket Languages is an award-winning interactive online language learning system.

The multi-faceted, comprehensive system allows patrons to learn conversational language at their own pace. The DRM-free program allows patrons to fully utilize Rocket Language’s easy to access downloadable lessons, games and more. Patrons continue to access their program until they determine they have completed the course.

CLICK HERE to speak and understand a new language faster!

Each Language Learning Program Includes:
• 62 hours of interactive instruction
• 17 grammar and culture lessons
• Over 340 grammar exercises
• Self-testing
• Interactive Audio tracks
• MegaWord word building games

Library Features:
• Unlimited simultaneous usage
• Unlimited patron downloads (MP3) that never expire
• Unlimited patron streaming anywhere
• No DRM
• Real-time reporting on usage
• Library system authentication

MeL eResources

April 6, 2020 | See all Announcements

Have you looked at the MeL eResources list yet?

The Michigan eLibrary (MeL) is a statewide service of the Library of Michigan, an agency of the Michigan Department of Education. The Library of Michigan works with the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) to provide MeL services.

There are a ton of amazing databases that you can access from home. These resources cover a variety of topics that cover auto repair, scholastic educational courses, career exploration, and so much more!

These eResources are for children, teens, and adults.

Go to https://mel.org/az.php to find out more about what you can learn in your free time!

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

PHASE 2

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 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?