 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!
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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.  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. 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 of Covid-19 cases in the county, the Wabash County Health Department has advised that the library should close the building to the public at this time. The building will close to the public at 8pm on Monday, November 16th.
NMPL will offer Curbside Services Monday-Thursday from the hours of 11am to 7pm. Curbside Hours on Friday will be 11am-4pm. We will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Patrons may place their Curbside Orders either by calling the library at (260)982-4773 or can place an order 24/7 on our website. Curbside Pick Up is limited to 10 items per car. Patrons may check out books, DVDs, Binge Boxes, audio books, magazines, a WiFi Hotspot, Activity Kits for Kids and Program Kits! Please allow 24 hours for your order to be filled. (If an order is placed on Tuesday, it will be ready on Wednesday. If an order is placed on Saturday, it will be ready for pick up on Monday.) Orders can be picked up at the front of the North Manchester Public Library, simply pull up to the curb, and call the library and give us your name! A library staff member will be out shortly and will set your order on the outside bench, near the curb, next to the bike racks. Once the staff member goes inside, you are free to collect your order. We will maintain a dynamic calendar of fantastic online events that all patrons can participate in! Kits for these programs can be picked up via curbside. Please visit our Programming page on our website for more information! The library encourages all patrons to also make use of our free e-library, Libby! All patrons with a library card can check out books, audiobooks, magazines and more all from their smart devices. Patrons can also use Inspire, a free database for Indiana Residents, including Rosetta Stone, genealogy information, archived newspapers, and other resources. We would like to thank all our patrons for their support during this time. The safety of our staff and patrons is our number one priority. 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. 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 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  What should I expect when I visit the library?
We are so thrilled to welcome all our patrons to the library. You will notice that our spaces look a bit different as we have taken measures to comply with CDC guidelines related to physical distancing. We have put much 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. You will see the following changes when you visit the library.
There is not a limit. Governor Holcomb's Back On Track 4.5 Indiana plan recommends operating at 50% and 75% capacity, and as such, the library will operate with modified hours, so that we will not reach full capacity. MODIFIED HOURS OF OPERATION: Mondays-Thursdays 11am-12pm - Seniors & Immunocompromised Hour; 12pm-6pm - General Public (Computers Open at 11am and Close at 5:30pm) Fridays-Saturdays 11am-12pm - Seniors & Immunocompromised Hour; 12pm-3pm - General Public (Computers Open at 11am and Close at 2:30pm) CLOSED on Sundays 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. 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 beginning Monday, July 27th. 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 requests can be made via phone Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm. Pick up times are Mondays and Wednesdays from 12pm-6pm, and Friday from 12pm to 4pm. Requested items will be available for pick up on the next pick up day. Example: If an order is placed on Tuesday, it will be ready on Wednesday. If an order is placed on Wednesday, it will be available on Friday. 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 until at least after Labor Day. 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 until at least after Labor Day. Will *group name* continue meeting at the library? The meeting rooms will not re-open for public use until at least after Labor Day. After that, it will be up to the individual groups to contact us directly to reschedule their meetings. 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 resuming their meetings. 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, then to quarantine returned materials for 48 hours before re-shelving. Staff members wear masks and gloves when handling all returned items. Are you accepting donated materials at this time? We appreciate that many people spent their time at home conducting spring cleaning and have materials they wish to donate to the library and the Friends of the Library. However, we are not accepting donations of books, music, movies, or other items at this time. I have overdue DVDs/books/ILLs! Will I have any fines? As of August 1st, we will resume charging fines for any overdue DVDs/hotspots, or any lost/damaged items and materials. If you have any questions, please call the library. 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 will now become a permanent service that NMPL offers to patrons.
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! 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.” |
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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