Altamont Library Notes for Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Ever since March 15, when we temporarily closed the library due to the COVID-19 epidemic, we’ve been pushing back the due dates on library materials that were checked out before we closed. Now that we and many other libraries have reopened for curbside pickup and return, those due dates have started coming up, and it is time for those items you may have had for several months now to be returned.

We will not be charging overdue fines on those items if they are returned late, though other libraries may do so. In many cases, other library users are waiting for the items you have, so please drop off your library materials either in the return bins in our vestibule when we are open, or in the outside drop box when we are closed.

As a reminder, we will set all returns aside for three days before our staff check them back in, so that we can be sure that any lingering trace of coronavirus becomes inactive. Thank you for your help in getting circulation back to something like normal! 

Farmers’ market

Keep an eye out for the return of the Altamont Farmers’ Market, which will be returning it’s home under our overhang as early as this week. Altamont Orchards and Fort Hunter Farms will trade off duties, and they’ll be here a few days a week for the season. 

Summer

Reading Program 

Hey young friends! Join our annual summer reading program! Things will be a little different this year than last, but just like in years past, there will be Summer Reading Bingo cards, prizes, and a very special stuffed raccoon hiding around the village. Stop by the library to pick up a bingo card, and like us on Facebook, or check out our website for all the details! Happy reading! 

Museum and

Empire passes 

Now that summer’s here, it’s a great time to head to a park or a museum, and we’ve got just the thing to help you get there. Empire Passes give you free access to New York State Parks and Beaches.

We have two of them and they go out for three days on a first-come, first-served basis. The Fennimore and Farmers Museums in Cooperstown and the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts just reopened as well, and we have passes for those too!

Our only request is that you return them to our library (instead of at another library) right after you’re done with them so that we can get them cleaned up and ready to go back out. 

Grab & Go

Curbside Grab & Go service is in full swing here at the library and it’s been going really well so far, and it’s been so wonderful to see so many of our friends back in the library after so long.

Here’s how Grab & Go service works:

— Hours of operation for pick-up and drop-off will be noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday;

— Reserve books and DVD’ at http://www.catalog.uhls.org anytime or by calling us at 518-861-7239 beginning June 15;

— When your items are ready, a library staff member will call or email you with a time you can pick them up. Please make an appointment before you come so that we can be sure to have everything ready for you when you get here;

— 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;

— 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;

— Returns 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 into July — overdue fines are not being applied to previously borrowed materials;

— Returned items will be quarantined at the library for at least 72 hours before they are able to be checked in and recirculated; and

— Library users must maintain social distance and wear masks while picking up and dropping off library materials. 

Things will be different, and we’re still figuring some things out, so please bear with us as we make the necessary changes that will allow us to offer the services you need, while protecting the health and safety of our community.

We’re so excited to be getting back into the library and continuing our work with and for you all! If you have any questions, please give us a call at 518-861-7239. See you soon!