Libraries preparing for curbside pickup, summer reading
The Elbridge Library is preparing for its summer reading program.
The library is asking Jordan-Elbridge area children ages three and older to register from now until June 29 for the library’s take home program.
The first take-home bag will be available July 1 and it will be full of activities, supplies and books, all of which can be kept.
The bags are refilled weekly.
The program ends Aug. 14 when children turn in their reading log of all the books they read over the summer.
“We are offering free books, items such as bubbles, chalk, crayons, writing activities, games, science activities and we have a weekly theme: fairies and gnomes, dragons, mythology, fairytales, unicorns, pirates,” the library announced in a press release. “All free and nothing needs to be returned to the library, with contact-free registration and pickup.”
Information can also be found posted on the door of the library at 241 E. Main St., in Elbridge, as well as on the library’s website and social media pages.
“We are asking participants to hashtag #elbridgesummerreading to follow along with progress and to stay connected,” the press release said. “It’s important we continue to serve our community despite the setbacks of this year. We don’t want to see any child fall behind this summer. This is a great opportunity to keep the kids entertained, engaged, and educated; and most importantly away from the tablets and screens for a bit. All for free.”
The Elbridge Library building is closed to patrons, but began curbside pickup on June 6 with limited hours and the library will continue to attempt to open the library in phases.
Updates on this process can also be found on the library’s Faccebook page.
After three months of being closed to the public, Maxwell Memorial Library announced that the library will reopen for curbside pickup on Monday, June 15.
Director Alyssa Ali and the Maxwell staff will prepare the building for contactless pickup and will process returned and reserved items beginning June 8.
A “soft” opening for releasing items which have been held for patrons since the library closed in March is planned first, on or around June 10. The soft opening will allow patrons who have been waiting longest to receive their items and will also help the staff fine tune the curbside process.
During this phase of reopening, the library remains closed to the public for browsing and programs. Patrons are encouraged to access their library accounts online at onlib.org to search for and place reserves on library materials. Those without internet access may call the library at 315-672-3661 during regular hours starting June 15 for assistance with placing holds and with reader’s advisory.
Patrons will be called by Maxwell staff when their reserved items are available to be picked up, so please make sure your contact information is up to date. Pickup will be by appointment only. Staff will check the items out to the patron during the phone call, and the items will be placed on a table in the vestibule. Upon arrival, patrons should present their library card or photo ID to staff, pick up their pack of reserves, and exit the building. Per New York State COVID-19 protocols, wearing of face masks and maintaining correct social distancing is required. Accommodations for ADA compliance can be made.
All items that are currently borrowed remain due on July 1. The outside book drop is open, and all items must be returned there. Please do not bring them inside the building.
As part of the effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, all returned items will be placed in quarantine for seven days. This means that they will not be checked in until after the quarantine period. At that time, the computers will be set to reflect the actual return date and not the check in date. No fines will accrue.
Maxwell Library hopes to welcome the community back into the building as soon as it is safe. In the meantime, we are excited to be back in the business of bringing you the books and movies you want. We remind you that you always have access to thousands of books, audiobooks, movies, magazines, and music through OverDrive and Hoopla with your library card.
The extensive database at onlib.org provides you with free tools for learning and research. And while our in-person programming is on hold for now, we are providing virtual programs and activities for children and adults, from story times and crafts to book discussions and workshops.
Maxwell Memorial Library is located at 14 Genesee St. in the Village of Camillus.
Temporary hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Sundays. For more information on this and other library news, call 315-672-3661, visit online at maxwellmemoriallibrary.org, or follow the library @maxmemlib on social media.
The Skaneateles Library also announced that starting Monday, June 8 the library was open for book drops so people can start bringing back their materials and the library can start curbside service on Monday, June 15.
