Altamont Library Notes for Thursday, June 4, 2020
As more businesses and services in the Capital Region begin to reopen, we at Altamont Free Library are in the final stages of preparing for our return. (Stay tuned for an announcement soon!) When we do reopen, it will still be some time before we can safely have the public in the building, but we will be offering curbside service. Here’s what you’ll need to know about how that will work:
— We will be working on a reduced schedule, with limited evening hours, and no weekend hours;
— You can request books and DVD’s from our collection at http://www.catalog.uhls.org or by calling us at 518-861-7239. We will not be able to get materials from other libraries at first:
1. When your items are ready, a library staff member will call or email you with a time you can pick them up.
2. Your order will be waiting on a table in the library’s vestibule in a paper bag with your name on it. Please follow the directions you will see posted about “traffic flow” and social distancing.
3. At this time, the library building and its restroom will remain closed to the public. Printing, computer, faxing and photocopying services are not yet available.
4. Borrowed materials can be dropped off in the marked boxes in the library’s vestibule during business hours. Due dates for previously checked out materials have been extended to July 1 at the earliest, and can be renewed even further — overdue fines are not being applied to previously borrowed materials.
5. Returned items will be quarantined at the library for at least 72 hours before they are able to be checked in and recirculated.
Our board and staff thank you for your support and patience as we move toward re-opening in ways that offer the services you need, while protecting the health and safety of our community. Keep an eye on this column, our website, and our Facebook page for an announcement soon!
Video Storytimes and Online Resources
Even though we’ll be opening up for curbside pickup and drop off soon, it’s going to be a while before we’re able to safely hold library programs like storytime. If you and your young ones have been missing weekly Storytimes as much as we have, the library staff has been working on something to tide you over until we can see each other in person again. Head over YouTube.com and search for “Altamont Free Library”. There you’ll find video storytimes we’ve been putting together, with new ones appearing every Tuesday and Friday. You can also like us on Facebook and find them there. Each new edition is chock full of stories, songs, crafts, movement activities, and bubbles presented by staff members Meg Seinberg-Hughes, Erika Peterson, Jo Ann Mulligan, Ann Gainer and me! Please enjoy!
In addition to video storytimes, there are tons of other online resources you have access to with your library card. Go to https://www.altamontfreelibrary.org/online-services to find a full and constantly updated list.
If you’d like to use Ancestry, Hoopla, Overdrive, or any of our other digital services, but can’t find your library card, send me an email at or call the library at 518-861-7239 and leave a message with your name and phone number, and I’ll get you your card number within the hour.