The Main Library at 1703 Orrington Avenue will reopen its doors for visitors to browse the collections, check out materials, and use technology, on Tuesday, August 11. We continue to offer contact-free curbside pickup services at the Main Library for those who are not ready to enter the building. Due to COVID-19 and a commitment to put safety first, the Library is following a phased plan to gradually reintroduce more services and reopen buildings. We are now in Service Level 2 of our Phased Reopening Plan.
Beginning August 11, open hours at the Main Library and for Curbside Pickup Services are:
Tuesdays 4pm-8pm
Wednesdays 2pm-6pm
Thursdays 4pm-8pm
Fridays 2pm-6pm
Saturdays 2pm-6pm
Closed to the public on Sundays and Mondays
Children under 11 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
The Robert Crown Library Branch reopened on August 1. (Get the details of service, hours of operation, etc.) The North Branch and the Chicago Ave/Main St. Branch remain closed.
What to Know Before Visiting the Main Library
There’s a lot to know about how visits to the Main Library are different in Service Level 2. These changes have been put in place for the safety of our staff, patrons, and the whole community, so get all the details before you head over. Here’s what you can expect when visiting and how we will work together to stay safe as a community.
Safety procedures you can expect:
Face coverings are required to enter the building. (Age 2 and older.)
Your temperature will be taken at the entrance.
All patrons must keep masks over nose and mouth at all times; this is a requirement to use the facilities. (Those who do not have a mask will be given one.)
Social distancing of at least 6 feet will be enforced.
Equipment, tables, and chairs will be disinfected regularly.
Use of restrooms is limited to one person or family at a time.
Re-shelving of books by patrons is not allowed. Patrons must place any books they touch into bins provided. These materials will be quarantined for at least 4 days.
Public meeting rooms are closed and public programs are all virtual, until further notice.
.Additionally, capacity at the Main Library is limited for your safety:
Number of people allowed in the building at one time will be limited.
Access to the library is first come, first served through the Church Street entrance.
Visits are limited to one hour.
Computers sessions are limited to one, one-hour session per day.
Gathering is not allowed. Most furniture has been removed throughout the building; toys have been removed from the children’s area.
What you can do in person at the Main Library:
Browse the collections and check out library materials.
Register for a Library card.
Enjoy self-service. Staff will provide limited assistance. New in the first floor lobby: patrons can pick up books placed on hold and check them out with no assistance.
Use the Library’s computers, printers, copy machine, scanner, and fax machine
Service in the teen Loft is limited to browsing the collection (no computer use is available there)
Return items at the book drops outside the Library 24 hours a day or during a curbside pickup appointment
Get help from a social worker by first calling 847-448-8659 for an appointment.
Continue to receive phone assistance from Library staff at 847-448-8630