UPDATE 8/10/2021
Following CDC and Winnebago County Health Department recommendations, the South Beloit Public Library has adopted a universal masking policy. The wearing of facemasks is now required for everyone over the age of 2, if medically able, regardless of vaccination status, for those entering the library. Masks are available for those wish to enter the library. Curbside and online services continue to be available. In addition to universal masking, SBPL will continue to follow recommendations for social distancing, handwashing, staying home while sick, sanitizing frequently touched surfaces, and encouraging vaccination.
UPDATE 06/18/2021
The library has updated the Restore Illinois Safety policy to include the CDC recommendations regarding masking requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated patrons. Fully vaccinated patrons will no longer be required to wear a mask in the library. Mask wearing is strongly recommended for the unvaccinated, in addition to social distancing and maintaining other CDC recommended measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Those who are full vaccinated and feel more comfortable wearing a face covering or practicing social distancing are encouraged to do so based on their own comfort levels and individual health factors. Children’s programming continues to be virtual or Take-and-Make in format. Adult programming will return to in-person in format, following CDC mask recommendations for masking and social distancing.
UPDATE 04/26/2021
As of Monday, April 26 the library is able to add brief browsing to our line of services. Patrons may now enter the library, following the mask mandate requirements, to browse the stacks and select library materials. We request the visits be limited to 30 minutes or less. Curbside services remain available for patrons that prefer to utilize that service. Appointments encouraged, but not required, for computer use. Hand hygiene, social distancing, contact tracing, and capacity limit protocols in place. Programming remains virtual or in a Take-and-Make format. Open public seating has been removed. Toys, games, and puzzles have been removed from the children’s area. The return to full operational hours is also effective April 26, 2021.
UPDATE 07/27/2020
We are happy to announce that additional services are now available by appointment. Beginning on Monday, July 27 we are able to provide computer use, print, copy, fax, and scan services by appointment. Please call the library at 815-389-2495 to schedule an available time slot. Patrons will be limited to one visit for up to 30 minutes per day. Face coverings will be required for building entrance for persons over the age of two. Reasonable accommodations through curbside pickup and online services available for those unable or unwilling to comply. Hand hygiene, social distancing, contact tracing and capacity limit protocols in place. Unfortunately, browsing is unavailable at this time. Curbside service by appointment continues. Appointments hours are M-T-W-Th 9-6 and F 9-5. Please park by the orange cones for pickup and call us when you get here.
Since RAILS delivery service has resumed, patrons may place their own holds on materials via the catalog, in addition to calling or emailing the library. Due to the quarantine process, there is a delay in patron receipt of requested items. Automated notification services for holds availability has also resumed. Books and magazines may continue to be placed in the book drop. DVDs and audio books can also be returned to the new book drop available 24/7.
(June 8 Update) You may now return audiobooks and DVDs in the special pull-down opening next to the books/magazine opening. This is available 24/7 The staff will not accept in-person returns. Due dates have been extended until June 26 for all items due since March 13. Due to the quarantine period of returns, items may remain on your account for a week or more after being returned.
On June 8, Curbside pickup service by appointment will begin. Patrons may request items by email library@southbeloitlibrary.com or phone 815-389-2495. Patrons will be limited to a maximum of 10 books/magazines and 5 DVDs per week per household. We will try to respond to requests by the next business day. Library staff will notify patrons when items are available and arrange a pick-up time. Pickup times are available M-T-W-Th 9-6 and F 9-5. Please place any items to return in the book/DVD drop and then return to your car and remain there while library staff place the requested items in the trunk of your vehicle. During periods of dangerous weather or unsafe conditions, curbside pickup service may be halted. Donations of books or other items are not being accepted. Public access to computers, copying, scanning, and faxing services are available by appointment. Face masks are required and please abide by a 30 minute time limit.
Update April 2020
In compliance with Governor Pritzker’s shelter in place order, the South Beloit Public Library will be closed until further notice. The situation around COVID-19 continues to be ever-evolving and demands that we be responsive to the current information and recommendations of those entrusted with community health and safety. Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult situation for all.
We request that patrons hold on to items coming due during the closure period as the book drop will be closed. Measures are being taken to ensure that fines will not accrue because of this temporary closure. Our online services remain accessible as an option for patrons desiring to read, watch, and or listen to library materials: Overdrive/Libby, Freegal, and Biblioboard. A library card is not required for Biblioboard. Links to these services can be found on the library website. The community will continue to be able to access our WIFI from the parking lot and library grounds.
The public can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by:
staying home and isolating yourself from others in your home if you’re sick, practicing good hand washing, covering your sneeze and/or cough, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
For additional information about COVID-19, please refer to the following reliable sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
