PCPL introduces enhanced COVID-19 procedures

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

On Thursday, the Putnam County Public Library began implementing enhanced COVID-19 procedures to better keep patrons and staff safe.

These were approved by Director Matt McClelland due to an increase in positive cases in the county and across the state. These changes include shifting public facility access to the library’s lobby.

“The decision on when and how to make these changes is not something we take lightly,” McClelland said. “However, with the recent change in county warning level and a post-holiday surge showing up in the numbers, we feel this is the best current model to balance service with staff and patron safety.”

Library services will continue to be available to patrons despite limited facility access. PCPL will also make digital options available for patrons.

Libby and Overdrive are mobile applications which provide access to e-books, e-audiobooks, movies and magazines. Kanopy is a free digital streaming service that is accessible with a library card.

In addition to current services, the library is introducing a new service with digital lab drop-off. The digital lab drop-off is a service that will allow patrons to drop off their photographs, VHS tapes, records (LPs and 45s), cassette tapes and 8mm film to be converted into digital files free of charge.

More services will become available in the digital lab in the coming months. Contact Anthony Barger at abarger@pcpl21.org or 653-2755 for a consultation and to schedule a time to drop off materials.

The digital lab drop-off is made possible by a generous donation in the memory of Edgar and Betty Whitman Bayliff. This donation was made by their family in support of the digital lab and other future library initiatives.

Available library services include:

• Checking out materials: Materials can be placed on hold through Evergreen Indiana by visiting the library lobby, calling the library at 653-2755 or emailing the library at info@pcpl21.org. It is not required that materials be placed on hold at this time. Staff are available to retrieve materials upon request.

• Curbside service: The library continues to offer and encourage curbside service. Follow instructions on the parking lot signage when arriving to receive curbside service. Appointments are not required.

• Technology help desk: Call the library for details.

• Magazines and newspapers: These will be available for check-out.

• Digital library card sign-ups: The library will continue to approve requests for library cards by phone or email. Follow this guide: https://pcpl21.org/how-to-get-a-library-card-when-the-library-is-closed/.

• Print/copy/fax services: These services will remain available in the library lobby. Staff will be available to print files that are emailed to circ@pcpl21.org.

• Public computer access: This for essential business will be available in the library lobby. Time is limited to one hour per visitor.

• Public WiFi access: The library’s free public WiFi extends to the library parking lot, expanding access to outside of the library building.

In early 2020, PCPL began offering virtual programming via the library’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Over the summer, the library introduced parking lot WiFi and curbside service as an easy and safe way to retrieve library materials. In the fall, PCPL also unveiled the Library of Things, a collection of unconventional materials such as tools, culinary items and games.

“The last 10 months have been a strain for everyone,” McClelland said. “However, we remain extremely thankful for the patience and understanding of our community during the pandemic and are very proud of all we have been able to accomplish despite COVID-19.”

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