home Blog Weekly Service Update – Select Locations Offering Express Service & Browsing Appointments

Weekly Service Update – Select Locations Offering Express Service & Browsing Appointments

Browsing Appointments

These appointments are beginning in select locations, please see the links below for specific information on appointments in each location. These appointments will grant those who sign up entry into the library to browse the collection, pick up holds and check out materials. When you arrive for your appointment, wait at the front entrance of the library and maintain at least six feet of social distance from others. At your scheduled time, a staff person will meet you to let you into the building.

About:

  • An appointment is necessary to use a computer (see below)
  • Per East Central Regional Library’s Social Distancing Policy all those entering the building will need to wear a face covering. Masks will be available if you need one.
  • The environment in the library has been modified
    • A sneeze guard has been placed on the service desk
    • Hand sanitizing stations are available
    • Seating has been reduced
    • Children’s play areas/equipment will not be available
    • All staff will be wearing a mask
  • Please limit the duration of your visit
  • Please visit in groups of two or less
  • Maximum occupancy will be posted at the entrance and must be observed
  • Children under age 10 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult

Locations that will begin offering browsing appointments the week of July 6th, 2020.

Cambridge Public Library
North Branch Area Library
Pine City Public Library

If you’ve experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 in the 14 days before your appointment, please call back to cancel or reschedule. Symptoms include:

  • Fever (100.4° F or higher), or feeling feverish
  • A new sore throat
  • Chills
  • New muscle aches
  • A new cough
  • New headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • New loss of smell or taste

Express Service:

Express service allows entry into the building without an appointment to browse the collection, pick up holds and check out materials. Please please see the links below for specific information on how and when express services will vary in each location.

About Express Services: 

  • An appointment is necessary to use a computer (see below)
  • Per East Central Regional Library’s Social Distancing Policy all those entering the building will need to wear a face covering. Masks will be available if you need one.
  • The environment in the library has been modified
    • A sneeze guard has been placed on the service desk
    • Hand sanitizing stations are available
    • Seating has been reduced
    • Children’s play areas/equipment will not be available
    • All staff will be wearing a mask
  • Please limit your time in the library to ensure all those who need to enter are able
  • Maximum occupancy will be posted at the entrance and must be observed
  • Children under age 10 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult

If you’ve experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 in the 14 days prior, please do not visit the library. Symptoms are listed above. 

This service will begin in this location Wednesday, July 1st, 2020.

Mille Lacs Lake Community Library

This service will begin in these locations the week of July 6th, 2020.

Milaca Community Library
Rush City Public Library

Computers by Appointment

These appointments are for those who wish to access a library computer. An appointment is still required to use a computer in our locations that have opened for express service.

About:

  • You will be able to print. We request that you bring exact change if possible.
  • Computer appointments are for one hour and cannot be extended.
  • For your safety and ours, library staff will not approach your computer to provide assistance.
  • Per East Central Regional Library’s Social Distancing Policy all those entering the building will need to wear a face covering. Masks will be available if you need one.
  • A restroom will be available for you to use.

If you’ve experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 in the 14 days before your appointment, please call back to cancel or reschedule. Symptoms are listed above. 

Computers by appointment will expand to the following locations, please follow the link to each location for schedules and more information:

Cambridge Public Library
Mille Lacs Lake Community Library
Milaca Community Library
North Branch Area Library
Pine City Public Library
Rush City Public Library

The Aitkin Public Library and Wyoming Area Giese Memorial Library have already begun to offer this service. More locations will be added next week.

Returning Materials

As select branches make plans to reopen, we’re working to clear our holds shelves and start getting materials back. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Due dates will begin to be enforced starting tomorrow, July 1st.
  • Outdoor book drops are open at all branches.
  • You can log in to your account to see what books you have checked out and confirm due dates.
  • If you are unable to return your items by the due date, please contact us to make other arrangements.

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