CCL announces September hours, activities
Beginning Sept. 1, the Colby Community Library (CCL) will be open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week.
Patrons aged 60 or older, or those with compromised immune systems, are welcome for special hours from 9-10 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Open hours for the general public will be Mondays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The CCL will not be open on Tuesdays or Thursdays or weekends.
precautions
Visits at the CCL will be limited to 20 minutes for “grab and go browsing” and 30 minutes for adult computer use. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The community room and study rooms are not open. Library capacity is limited to 10 people.
At this time, masks are required for ages 5 and up. Patrons are asked to bring their own, but they will be provided if needed. If you are not able to wear a mask, the library staff will assist you with curbside service.
Library materials need to be returned to the outside book and AV drops; do not bring items into the library.
Materials are quarantined for a minimum of four days before they are checked in, so your account will not reflect returns immediately. Items are also sanitized before they are shelved.
Through the end of the year, the CCL will be fine free. Damaged or lost materials will be charged for, but late fines will not be assessed.
In the event of COVID-19 exposure, the library will work with the Clark County Health Department, the Department of Public Instruction, and Wisconsin Valley Library Service.
Check the CCL website, Facebook page, and the Tribune-Phonograph for any changes or updates.
Curbside service available
Curbside service will be offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during open hours for those uncomfortable entering the building.
Patrons can order materials online through the V-Cat catalog on the CCL website. Email director@colbypubliclibrary. org or call 715-223-2000 during open hours for prompt service.
Upon request, the CCL staff will select Library Care Packages for patrons. This unique service has been appreciated in the past. Let the staff know the type and number of materials you would like, and they will get them ready for you to pick up.
The care packages have been met with comments like “This is just like Christmas!” and “My child loves to open the box of books and movies you pick out for us!” and “What a treat to open my surprise library package!”
The library staff will also assist day care providers, teachers, and homeschoolers with babysitter bags, classroom bundles, or homeschooling packs to encourage reading and supplement curriculums. Call the library at 715-223-2000 for more information on obtaining this personalized service.
Copies and fax services are available, thanks to the Friends of the CCL, which provided the funding of a new copier and color printer.
“The Friends organization is a tremendous boost to the library through its fundraising efforts,” said library director Vicky Calmes.
While events and gatherings cannot be planned until further notice, the library is offering the following: _ The Wisconsin brochure racks are filled to the brim with travel ideas and information about places to camp, hike, bike, golf, etc. This complimentary literature highlights safe activities available during the COVID-19 shutdown.
_ PBS Kids Activity Booklets are free and filled with activities to keep children active in the late summer and autumn.
_ BookPages, highlighting new reads for adults and children, are received monthly and are free to patrons.
_ The “1,000-4,000 Books Before the End of Kindergarten” programs are always available for children from birth up to the age of 6. Pick up recording binders, check out and read books from the CCL, and select prizes after each 100 books read. Also, parents of new babies are invited to visit the library for a New Baby Bag filled with handmade baby items and baby care information.
_ Updated “Book Club Reads” lists are available, as are lists of the best reads selected by director Vicky Calmes for the past 10 years. The 2020 Reading and Movie Challenges for adults continue until the end of the year. Readers and viewers completing the challenges will be eligible for a drawing for Abby/Colby Chamber certificates.
_ WiFi internet is always on and accessible from the parking lot or areas around the building.
“We hope people will feel comfortable returning to the library world either by visiting the building or requesting curbside service,” Calmes said. “The staff is working hard to keep the library and the materials clean and safe. While the library has been closed and now that it is open with limited days and hours, we have continued to prepare some of the latest books, magazines, movies, and audio books for patrons to check out. We invite people to get back into reading and viewing mode and to find many materials of interest at the Colby Community Library.”
