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.
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 be returned to the special container on the book drop available M-T-W-Th 9-6 and F 9-5.
On June 1, the book drop will be open 24/7 for returning books and magazines. DVDs and CDs will be able to be returned only in the special container available by the book drop M-T-W-Th 9-6 and F 9-5. 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. Only items from South Beloit will be available at this time as RAILS delivery service has not yet resumed. Patrons will be limited to a maximum of 10 books/magazines and 5 DVDs per week per household. We will 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 drop/DVD tote 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 not available currently.
June 15 begins signup for the summer reading program, Imagine Your Story. Reporting of minutes read from June 15 on and distribution of weekly prizes for children will be handled in conjunction with curbside pickup. There will also be available themed take-and-make crafts for children upon request. Challenges and other programming will be virtual and will be found on the library’s Facebook page. Adults and Teens will also be able to start recording books read and audiobooks listened to since June 15 during curbside pickup. Adults and Teens will earn one ticket for each title read. The library purchased gift certificates from local businesses that will be used for the Adult and Teen summer reading program.
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
