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. 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.

• Plexi glass shields have been installed at circulation desks.
• Masks are required for library visitors and staff.
• Hand sanitizer stations are placed throughout the building.
• Some computer stations have been taken out of service in order to promote physical distancing.
• Each computer station (keyboards, mice, desk area) is wiped down with Concept 256, a hospital grade cleaner/disinfectant, before each computer session.
• Floor signage will mark 6-foot increments at customer service points and self-serve areas.
• The children's playroom has been closed for the foreseeable future.
• Each returned item is wiped down with Concept 256, a hospital grade cleaner/disinfectant, and placed in quarantine for 48 hours.
  
  
  

Is there a limit on the number of visitors allowed in 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.

• 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.
• Returned materials are disinfected and quarantined for 48 hours, and staff members wear gloves and masks when handling returned items.
• Plexi glass barriers have been ordered and installed at circulation desks.

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.