NMPL TO RE-OPEN TO PUBLIC ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST

NMPL Plans to Re-Open to the Public on Monday, February 1st
​With the support of the Library Board and the Wabash County Health Department, the North Manchester Public Library plans to re-open the building to the public Monday, February 1st. 
The library will resume their usual hours of operation.
Mondays - Thursdays: 9am to 8pm (Computers: 9:30am to 7:30pm)
Fridays - Saturdays: 9am to 5pm (Computers: 9:30am to 4:30pm)
Sundays: Closed

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:

• 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.