 Due to the county's Yellow (*7-Day All Tests Positivity Rate from in.gov - 5% to 9.9% positive cases) Covid status, masks are now recommended in the library and for any in person programming. Masks are no longer required in the building or to attend any programming events.
Per NMPL's Service Strategies for County Pandemic/Epidemic Ratings Metrics, under a Yellow status, the library will follow the following guidelines:
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As of February 24th, properly worn face masks are recommend inside the library as Wabash County's 7 Day Positivity Rate has now fallen below the 15% mark. Per NMPL's Service Strategies for County Pandemic/Epidemic Ratings Metrics, this means people coming into the library building will not be required to wear a mask, though it is recommend. Please note, however, that masks are still required to attend indoor programs. This change takes effect tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. For more information on NMPL service strategies during Covid, please click HERE. The library staff will continue sanitation measures for materials and the facility. The use of hand sanitizers and social distancing practices are still recommended. If you are uncomfortable coming into the library for any reason, we encourage you to use our curbside service or Libby, our free e-library.  Due to Wabash County red status for positive Covid cases, properly worn face masks are once again REQUIRED in the library, for any patrons over the age of 8 years old. This is in keeping with NMPL's Service Strategies for County Pandemic Ratings. According to this board approved policy, NMPL's service strategies for red status are:
If you do not have a mask, a free one one will be provided for you at the front desk. If you are uncomfortable coming into the library for any reason, we encourage you to use our curbside service or Libby, our free e-library.  As of January 6th, properly worn face masks are recommended inside the library. Due to the county Covid metrics moving to "orange status", the North Manchester Public Library will resume recommending the use of properly worn face masks while in the library. Masks are still required for any in-person programming.  "As the community is aware, NMPL has service strategies in place based on the County Pandemic Metrics," shares Diane Randall, Library Director. "The Library Board has approved the service strategies for every State Pandemic Metric color. The library’s pandemic service strategies spreadsheet provides a transparent consistent 'plan in place' during these challenging times. If the county status changes in the future to a different metric color, the library will adapt to address this change in services."
Wabash County’s status is currently orange. The library’s service strategies for orange status are:
If you are uncomfortable coming into the library for any reason, we encourage you to use our curbside service or Libby, our free e-library. Beginning Wednesday, December 1st, properly worn face masks are required inside the library.
Due to the county Covid metrics moving to "red status", the North Manchester Public Library will resume requiring the use of properly worn face masks while in the library, or while attending any in-building event. This requirement will last until the county metric returns to orange. The library staff will increase sanitation measures for materials and the facility. The use of masks, hand sanitizers, and social distancing practices are still recommended. If you do not have a mask, a free one one will be provided for you at the front desk. If you are uncomfortable coming into the library for any reason, we encourage you to use our curbside service or Libby, our free e-library. Due to the increase of positive Covid cases in Indiana and in Wabash County, starting September 1st the North Manchester Public Library will begin mandating masks at all indoor in-person programs, for any patron over the age of 8. Free masks will be provided at the circulation desks for any attendees who need them. Masks will not be mandated at outdoor programs. If you are uncomfortable coming into the library or wearing a mask, we encourage you to check out our virtual programming, which will be returning in September. A vast archive of virtual programming events from this year and last year are also available any time, 24/7 on the library Facebook page. Masks are recommended for all patrons who visit the library and are available for free at the front desk.   In light of the recent changes to the CDC’s guidelines, The North Manchester Public Library is updating our face mask requirements to a recommended status in the library. The library will continue to support the use of masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing practices. The CDC recommends that those who are unvaccinated continue to wear masks in the public. For anyone who is ill or unable to come in to the library, curbside services and our e-resources are always available!
We are so grateful for the incredible support from the North Manchester community and we are excited to continue forward as we begin our exciting 2021 summer reading program! Check out our upcoming programs, activity and craft kits, movie night bundles, DVD binge boxes, and our new flat playground! Any updates or changes to the library’s services and programs are posted on the library’s website, Facebook, and Instagram. We look forward to seeing you at the library! In light of the recent changes to the CDC’s guidelines, The North Manchester Public Library is updating our face mask requirements to a recommended status in the library. The library will continue to support the use of masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing practices. The CDC recommends that those who are unvaccinated continue to wear masks in the public. For anyone who is ill or unable to come in to the library, curbside services and our e-resources are always available!
We are so grateful for the incredible support from the North Manchester community and we are excited to continue forward as we begin our exciting 2021 summer reading program! Check out our upcoming programs, activity and craft kits, movie night bundles, DVD binge boxes, and our new flat playground! Any updates or changes to the library’s services and programs are posted on the library’s website, Facebook, and Instagram. We look forward to seeing you at the library! Diane Randall Library Director
North Manchester Public Library Director Diane Randall shares a few words on how far we've come - and why masks will still be required in the library.
Hi, I’m Diane Randall, the director of the North Manchester Public Library. I think everyone will agree that this past year has been rough, presenting immense challenges, stress, suffering and loss. I am so very proud of how the staff here at the library, with their forward thinking can-do attitude have adapted to our changing world. I am really proud of our library’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing board approved safety protocols, policies, and procedures, staff have successfully opened the building and work daily to provide a safe public space for anyone wanting to visit the library or use library resources. In addition, these safety protocols have allowed our staff to have a safe place to work as well. We are all aware that Governor Holcomb lifted the mask mandate on Tuesday, April 6th. While he explained, in a press announcement, that the mask mandate is changing to a mask advisory, he also explained that local government entities and local businesses maintain the authority to require masks and determine safety protocol in their buildings. Well, the right thing for library to do, at this time, is to continue to utilize the social distancing practices, increased sanitation measures, and the required mask wearing protocols that we have currently in place. We are on the right path but it is too early to throw out the increased safety measures we have been utilizing and that have been successful. We miss the library of a year ago just as you do, and we look forward to gradually lessening these measures with time. We ask for your help and support in respectfully honoring our safety measures as we are continue forward on the right path. Thank you! - Diane Randall
Director Diane Randall and the NMPL staff are thrilled to welcome all our patrons to the library and want all patrons to feel safe inside the building. As such, much thought and planning has been put into how we can offer important library resources and services while still protecting the health of library visitors and staff. Though our building is open to the public, we will still continue to provide important services such as our free e-libraries and curbside pick up. Curbside Requests can be made 24/7 via our website (www.nman.lib.in.us) and requests can be made via phone during our hours of operation. Fulfilled orders can be picked up during library open hours. Masks are required for library visitors and staff while on library property. Those who do not have a mask can receive a free mask at the front desk. If you are uncomfortable wearing a mask for any reason, we will be happy to help you through curbside services, digital resources, by phone at (260) 982-4773, or email nmpl@nman.lib.in.us The library will continue to utilize plexiglass shields at the circulation desks, and will continue elevated cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Hand sanitizer stations continue to be made available throughout the building, and public spaces are routinely cleaned and disinfected with Concept 256, a hospital grade cleaner, or by our UV Disinfector. All patrons are encouraged to maintain a safe social distance from staff and other library users. Younger children will need to be accompanied by a parent or caregiver when visiting the library. At this time, there will be no in person programming in the library building. It is difficult, as our staff love to plan and host programs. However, we also realize that it would be difficult to enforce physical distancing at most of our programs. In the meantime, many programs are now being conducted online. We encourage all patrons to check out our website or Facebook page for more information! NMPL is so grateful for the support of the North Manchester community during this time period. “We are so looking forward to once again providing in person services to our community and seeing our wonderful patrons again,” said Diane Randall, Director. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN VISITING THE LIBRARY?What should I expect when I visit the library?
We are so thrilled to welcome all our patrons to the library. We continue our measures to comply with CDC guidelines related to physical distancing. Continue to put thought and planning into how we can offer important library resources and services while still protecting the health of library visitors and staff. Though our building is open to the public, we will still continue to provide important services such as our free e-libraries and curbside pick up. At this time, there will be no in person programming in the library building. It is difficult, as our staff love to plan and host programs. However, we also realize that it would be difficult to enforce physical distancing at most of our programs. In the meantime, many programs are now being conducted online. Click HERE for more information on online programming. Thank you for following library guidelines and for your patience and cooperation. This is truly an unprecedented situation for our nation and the library. What measure is NMPL taking to keep library users safe? The safety and health of library visitors and staff is our top priority. Continuing our safety precautions from last year, you will continue to see the following at the library:
Is there a limit on the number of visitors allowed in the library? There is not a limit, but all visitors must wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. Those who are uncomfortable wearing a mask can utilize our curbside or e-library services. Are kids allowed in the library? Children are always welcome to visit NMPL! At this stage, younger children will also need to be accompanied by a parent or caregiver when visiting the library. Are kids allowed in the library? Yes, the playroom is open. The majority of the toys have been removed from the space, and the remaining toys are routinely disinfected. Do I need to wear a mask in the library? Yes. In accordance with Indiana's Mask Mandate, properly worn facial coverings are required inside the library. Those who do not have a mask can receive a free mask at the front desk. NMPL encourages all patrons to continue to follow social distancing guidelines and safe hand washing/disinfecting practices. If you are uncomfortable wearing a mask for any reason, we will be happy to help you through curbside services, digital resources, by phone at (260) 982-4773 or email nmpl@nman.lib.in.us What if I don't feel comfortable coming into the library? Curbside Services are still available! Requests can be made 24/7 via our website and via phone. We also have two free e-libraries and online programs available. How is NMPL keeping its staff safe? The health and safety of our staff has been, and continues to be, one of our top priorities. We have taken the following steps as an organization.
Can I book the Blocher Room for an event later this year? We will not be booking the Blocher Room for the foreseeable future. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we want to avoid a situation where we have to continually cancel pre-made bookings. Can I book the Conference Room or Study Room or Makerspace? In order to ensure social distancing, and allow staff to focus on disinfecting procedures in other public spaces, we will not be booking any meeting rooms for the forseeable future. Will *group name* continue meeting at the library? The meeting rooms will not re-open for public use for the foreseeable future. Outside of library programs (on our website!) all groups who meet at the library do so as patrons, independent of the library. You would need to contact these groups directly to see if they will be making alternative plans. How do I return materials to the library? Please place returned items in a drop box. These are located both inside and outside the library buildings. Binge Boxes, hotspots and other electronic items must be returned at the front desk. How is NMPL caring for returned materials? NMPL's practice since the onset of COVID-19 has been to wipe down all returns with Concept 256, a hospital grade cleaner/disinfectant. Items unable to be wiped down efficiently are disinfected with a UV light. Staff members wear masks and gloves when handling all returned items. Are you accepting donated materials at this time? Yes, but all donated items must be bagged or placed in a box and dropped off at the front desk, NOT in the outside bookbin. Can I access the Indiana Room? Yes! The Indiana Room is available for in house use only, as we are not checking out any Indiana Room materials at this time. Can I use the 3D printer or the microfilm machine?Yes! All NMPL equipment in the adult department is available for patron use. We are carefully sanitizing in between users. How long will you continue curbside? Permanently! Curbside is a permanent service that NMPL offers to patrons. |
NMPLThe mission of the North Manchester Public Library is to provide materials, programs, and services necessary to meet the recreational and educational needs of the community in an easily-accessible facility, which is a community center of activity and information. Archives
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