Decorah Public Library announces next steps May 13, 2020

Posted: May 13, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Decorah Public Library

202 Winnebago Street

Decorah, IA 52101

CONTACT:    Kristin Torresdal, ktorresdal@decorah.lib.ia.us

563-382-3717

DATE:            12 May 2020

RE: Decorah Public Library announces next steps

The Decorah Public Library will continue to be closed to the public but will open exterior book drops and begin accepting returned library materials on Monday May 18. The move is part of a phased expansion of services unanimously approved by the Library Board of Trustees at their Monday May 11 meeting.

Library staff request that materials be returned gradually so that they are able to keep up with the processing and quarantining of items as they come back. Patrons with last names beginning A-M are asked to return items May 18-24 and patrons with last names beginning N-Z are asked to return items May 25-31. All materials will be quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours before being reintegrated with the rest of the library collection. Beginning June 1, items may be returned to the two exterior library book drops at any time.

A projected June 1 start date for curbside pickup of library materials has also been announced, with details about the procedure for requesting and picking up items to be solidified by the end of May.

Library Director Kristin Torresdal said “We are working hard to prepare appropriate procedures for material returns and curbside pickup, with the safety of patrons and staff taking top priority. With the addition of curbside pickup, we will again be performing all of the essential services outlined in our mission statement despite the necessary ongoing closure of our building. We will continue to offer online programming, tech help, expanded ebook, audiobook, and film content, plus wifi access around the perimeter of our building.”

The phased expansion of services plan includes six stages, the first three of which- preparation, returns, and curbside pickup- were approved for implementation by the Library Board, with the inclusion of additional language that allows for plan modifications based on new data, public health guidelines, and best practices according to professional library organizations. The Board will discuss progress, new developments, and implementation of additional phases at their June 8 meeting.

When curbside procedures are finalized, that information will be made available on the library’s website, social media, and in local media outlets.

Contact Torresdal at ktorresdal@decorah.lib.ia.us with questions.