Using the Library During Social Distancing

No doubt about it, social distancing will be the phrase of the year!  But how can you use the services of the library when we are closed?  Below are some questions you might have with our answers.

1. When will you be open again?
   We are so sorry, but we do not know at this time when we will be open. This was a difficult decision but the safest for us all. Follow our Facebook page @MiamiPublicLibrary and check our website at www.miamipl.okpls.org for updates.
2. Can I pick up my holds (Interlibrary Loan book, etc.)?
   Not at this time. However, keep checking our Facebook page @MiamiPublicLibrary and our website at www.miamipl.okpls.org  to see if this changes. We are investigating the possibility of curbside service where you could pull up your car, open the trunk, and allow us to place your book there.  Watch for updates.
3. Can I renew my books online?
   Yes, go to our website at www.miamipl.okpls.org and log in to your account in the upper right side of the screen. The top box is your library card number. The box underneath is the 9-digit phone number with area code that is associated with your card. When you are logged in, click on the My Account button. It will bring up your account, and you should then click on Items Out/Renewals. Each renewable item will have a Renew button at the far right. Please note that we are working to consistently renew books so that no fines will accrue. If you do incur a fine due to this situation we are all facing, it will be removed.
4. What if I have a fine and can’t access your online services?
   If you are not able to use OverDrive or one of our other electronic resources because you have a fine or your card has expired, please contact us through the website www.miamipl.okpls.org or message us on Facebook @MiamiPublicLibrary and we can help you. We currently have our system set up so that you should not be blocked from using any of our website programs or renewing your books just because of an old fine. In addition, we have it set up so that you will not accrue new fines until we are open again.
5. What if my card has expired and I can’t access your online services?
   If you are not able to use OverDrive or one of our other electronic resources because you have a fine or your card has expired,  please contact us through the website  www.miamipl.okpls.org or message us on Facebook @MiamiPublicLibrary and we can help you.
6. What if I don’t have a card?
   We can issue a temporary card which will allow you to use all our online services as well as using the Internet outside the building. This card will be active until such time as we are open again. Then you will need to come into the library and apply for a regular card. Please contact us through the website www.miamipl.okpls.org or message us on Facebook @MiamiPublicLibrary for more information.
7. Can I access the Internet outside the building?
   If you have a library card, you can sit outside the building in your car or on the library steps and will still be able to use our service.  You will need to log in with your library card number and phone number.  Please keep in mind, you may not gather in groups and must maintain proper social distancing and to adhere to the Ordinance 2020-02(b). If you do not have a library card, we can issue a temporary card that will allow you to do this. However, obtaining a temporary card number will need to be done during the hours we are here. Please contact us through the website www.miamipl.okpls.org or message us on Facebook @MiamiPublicLibrary for more information.
8. Can I call the library if I have another question?
   Yes, you can call.  However, due to the situation staff are often in other areas away from their desks or away from the library making it difficult to guarantee you will get an answer.  If you try to call and no one answers, you can leave a voicemail on extension #2383.  You may also contact us through the website www.miamipl.okpls.org or message us on Facebook @MiamiPublicLibrary and leave your number.  We will call you back as soon as possible.  Thank you for your patience as we try to help you and keep us all safe!