​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.
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Thank you!
- Diane Randall

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:

• Plexi glass shields at circulation desks.
• Masks are required for library visitors and staff.
• Hand sanitizer stations are still available throughout the building.
• Limited computer stations in order to promote physical distancing.
• Each computer station (keyboards, mice, desk area) continues to be wiped down with Concept 256, a hospital grade cleaner/disinfectant, before each computer session, or disinfected with our UV Light.
• Floor signage marks 6-foot increments at customer service points and self-serve areas.
• Each returned item is wiped down with Concept 256, a hospital grade cleaner/disinfectant, or disinfected with our UV light.

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.

• Covid prevention materials from the World Health Organization were distributed to all staff.
• Personal protective equipment has been provided to all staff.
• Staff are required to wear masks in public spaces.
• In those situations when COVID-19 was suspected, management has followed CDC protocols.
• We have established curbside delivery as a one-way service; returned materials must be placed in book drops.
• Staff members wear gloves and masks when handling returned items.
• Plexi glass barriers are installed at circulation desks.

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.

While the library is closed for Curbside Services only, we will temporarily provide Document Days for our patrons in order to get essential documents faxed or copied. We will fax, copy and print (black and white only) essential documents, such as government forms, financial documents, school paperwork, or other business papers. 

DOCUMENT DAYS HOURS:
Mondays-Thursdays: 11am-6pm
Fridays: 11am-3pm
Saturdays & Sundays: Closed

To use this service, simply drive to the library and park in the parking lot. Call the library during the Document Days hours and let us know what service you need.  Please be sure to have all the documents and the fee with you. A staff member wearing PPE will let you into the building entryway. Patrons MUST wear a mask while using this service, and must stay in the entryway library for the duration of the service.
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DOCUMENT FEES:
Faxing: $1 per page
Printing & Copying (Black and White Only): 10 cents a page

If you do not have a smart phone device, and need to set up a time to pick up printed documents, please call the library at 260-982-4773 to arrange an appointment. ​

Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases in the county and throughout the state, and in keeping with Governor Holcomb's new restrictions, all in person library programs* will be cancelled until further notice. We still have so many incredible virtual programs and take home kits for all patrons to enjoy, so head to our CALENDAR page for all the details! *Our Crazy 8's Math Club will continue until the end of November. Masks and registration are required. 

Additionally, NMPL will no longer be accepting Blocher Room bookings for the foreseeable future. (Existing booking in November and December will be honored.) 

We also want to encourage patrons to take advantage of our fantastic Curbside Pick Up service! You can check out books, DVDs, Binge Boxes, magazines and activity kits and more, all from the safety and comfort of your car! Please visit our Curbside page for more information.

REMINDER: PROPERLY WORN FACIAL COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED IN THE LIBRARY. ​
Thank you for helping to keep the NMPL staff and the North Manchester community safe! 

CDC Information on Covid-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Covid-19 Indiana Dashboard: ​https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/2393.htm

MODIFIED HOURS:
Monday-Thursdays 11am-12pm - Seniors & Immunocompromised Hour; 12pm-6pm - General Public
Friday's 11am-12pm - Seniors & Immunocompromised Hour; 12pm-3pm - General Public.
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Curbside Services will continue as usual, and requests can be made 24/7 via our website or via phone Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm. Pick up times are Mondays and Wednesdays from 12pm-6pm, and Friday from 12pm to 4pm.

The library will continue to stay in touch with local health officials and will continue to carefully monitor the spread of Covid-19. We will assess weekly in regards to resuming regular hours, and will post any updates on our website and social media pages.

The safety of our staff and patrons remains our first priority and we thank North Manchester for the continued support!
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Back on Track 4.5 Plan: https://backontrack.in.gov/files/Stage_4.5.pdf
CDC Information on Covid-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

The library will open with the following modified schedule:
Mondays: 11am-12pm - Seniors & Immunocompromised Hour; 12pm-6pm - General Public
(Computers Open at 11am and Close at 5:30pm) 
Tuesdays: 11am-12pm - Seniors & Immunocompromised Hour; 12pm-6pm - General Public
(Computers Open at 11am and Close at 5:30pm) 
Wednesdays: 11am-12pm - Seniors & Immunocompromised Hour; 12pm-6pm - General Public
(Computers Open at 11am and Close at 5:30pm) 
Thursdays: 11am-12pm - Seniors & Immunocompromised Hour; 12pm-6pm - General Public
(Computers Open at 11am and Close at 5:30pm) 
Fridays: 11am-12pm - Seniors & Immunocompromised Hour; 12pm-3pm - General Public
(Computers Open at 11am and Close at 2:30pm) 

The library will limit the number of adult department computers available to ensure that social distancing recommendations are followed. The children’s department playroom and computer area will remain closed. During this stage, children will also need to be accompanied by a parent or caregiver when visiting the library. 

"The Children's Department will be open to families looking for books, magazines, audiobooks, and DVDs to check out,” shared Sarah Morbitzer, Children’s Department Manager. “Summer Reading participants will also be able to pick up their section prizes.  However, the playroom and children's computer lab will remain closed until further notice.  All programming will continue to take place virtually via Zoom and the Library's Facebook page while we are in Stage 4.  We have really missed our patrons and are eager to begin welcoming them back to the library as we slowly re-open!" 

Staff will wear personal protective equipment and the library has purchased sneeze guards to place at all circulation desks. Following CDC guidelines, the library will continue to disinfect and quarantine all returned items, as well as maintaining elevated cleaning and sanitizing procedures of public areas. Sanitizer stations will be set up all over the library for patron use. 

While the library is not requiring patrons to wear PPE, patrons are encouraged to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines when visiting the library. 

Even after re-opening, the library will continue to offer Curbside Services and Document Days. “We’ve had such a fantastic response from the community on these convenient services,” said Jeanna Hann, Adult Department Manager. “We know some people may not feel comfortable coming into the library yet, so we want to continue to make curbside options available.”

“Things may look a little different at NMPL when we re-open, but our commitment to providing excellent services to the community and to our patrons has remained the same,” said Diane. “It is always our number one priority.” 

​We’ve expanded our WiFi reach! You can now access fast, FREE WiFi from anywhere on the library grounds! Drive up, park, check your email, scroll through Facebook, or finish eLearning! Public WiFi Network: NMPL_PUBLIC