What’s the Deal? Library Updates
We have been reopened with limited hours since June 15, 2020. With all the pandemic concerns we have had to make changes to the way the library runs day-to-day. If you have been in, I’m sure you have noticed a few of them.
So what has changed?
We applied and received a CARES Act grant for Personal Protective Equipment from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (OLA) for $1,000. Funding for this grant is thanks to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). With these funds we are able to install 4 new hand sanitizer stations and purchase additional sanitizing cleaners, to keep the library safer for the community.
We have installed permanent glass shields at both the main circulation and the children’s circulation desks. These shields allow us to help patrons while still maintaining safety protocols. When staff is not behind the shields, we are wearing masks to keep our patrons safer. We frequently wash our hands and we have extra sanitizing protocols in place. We sanitize the high use areas such as computers, copiers, handles, and restrooms more frequently. We have continued to quarantine materials upon their return to the library. We highly encourage all library visitors to wear a mask, sanitize, and wash their hands frequently, as we cannot ensure that every item in the library is cleaned.
Since we are limited to a certain number of people in the building at a time for social distancing standards, we have added additional digital resources for our patrons to access from home. We have started more online programs such as Book Art and added a reading activity tracker called Beanstack to help us create new interactive online programs for patrons of all ages. We also added hoopla to our Electronic Resources.
Hoopla offers eBooks, AudioBooks, digital Graphic Novels, movies, TV shows, and music. If you see a title on hoopla, it is available right away; no waits or holds.
Hoopla borrow periods:
eBooks, audiobooks, and comics – 21 days
Movies and television – 3 days
Music is 7 days for the whole album.
We are making improvements to our teen department! We have new furniture on the way and have added a unique photo op area for patrons to take selfies. We are adding board games for teens to use while they hang out in their new space. Thanks to a digital inclusion grant from OLA and IMLS we will be purchasing laptops for in-house use that teens can borrow and use in the Teen Scene while maintaining safe social distance.
Sheldon the Library Turtle
Sheldon is the newest resident of the MPL. He is a red eared slider and he his tank is located near the Genealogy and Children’s Departments. His best friend is Paxton the Library Pack Rat. Sheldon loves when Paxton visits and reads him a story. Sheldon loves all visitors and gets so excited to meet new friends!
