Galena, Hanover libraries plan phased reopenings

JO DAVIESS COUNTY–Directors of the Galena and Hanover libraries are announcing plans for phased reopenings, beginning with the return of materials this week.

Galena

The Galena Public Library’s reopening plan consists of seven phases, according to Jenna Diedrich, library director.

“The building will continue to remain closed with no official date, but we will be allowing patrons to return materials they have and then starting curbside pick up,” she said.

•Week of June 1: Phase 1 return of materials–Staff will accept materials during the limited times of Monday and Wednesday, 4-6 p.m., and Saturday, noon-2. Materials may be returned outside to the back parking lot. Due to the amount of materials patrons may have, patrons may exit their vehicles and place materials on tables that staff will have set up outside. Staff will then place all materials into bins for a seven-day quarantine period. The drop box will continue to be closed for the time being.

•Week of June 8: Phase 2 curbside pickup–Beginning Monday, June 8 patrons may place holds via phone, email or use the online catalog. If you would like to place holds via email, send requests to holds@galenalibrary.org.

Staff need the patron’s name, contact information, library card number, title of item(s), and format of item(s) (book, DVD, audio, etc.).

Keep in mind that returned materials are being quarantined for seven days, so it will take longer for materials to become available. Holds will be limited to only Galena Public Library materials as interlibrary loan service has not yet resumed. At this time there is no date for resumption of that service.

Staff will pull holds and contact patrons when they can pick up their materials. Pickups will be limited to 10 per hour to alleviate too many people coming in contact with one another.

Materials may be picked up Mondays and Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m., and Saturdays, noon-2 p.m. Curbside hours will expand throughout June and more information will be shared as it becomes available. Materials may also be returned during these times. All curbside pickups and returns will be done outside in the back parking lot. Staff will be required to wear masks and gloves. Masks will be required for patrons who will be returning materials or picking up holds. Library staff ask that the six feet distancing be observed and respected.

Hanover

Hanover Township Library is now accepting returns of library materials.

The Hanover Township Library will accept returns of checked out items on June 2, 3, 9 and 10. The book drop will remain closed, so items must be returned between the hours of 1 and 4 p.m. on these dates.

Clearly marked tubs will be available outside the library to leave books, DVDs, audio books, etc. Patrons are asked to place their items in the tub and not touch books and media already deposited.

In an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, library staff will be quarantining returned items for seven days. Recently returned materials will remain on patron accounts during the quarantine period. When checked in, library staff will backdate the materials. No fines will be charged.

Questions should be sent to the library director, Denise Tollensdorf, at hanovertownshiplibrary@gmail.com.