Katie Rider reported, “While the [Odell Public L]ibrary building remains closed to the public, we are pleased to begin offering curbside service. Effective immediately, patrons may begin returning materials and placing holds on Odell items. Please read our press release below for more details, and make sure to check out the Frequently Asked Questions at the end. We are excited to begin this next step! Stay well, and keep reading.”
The library building, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, will remain closed to the public until further notice.
Odell will begin offering curbside pickup of library materials in the coming weeks. Beginning Thursday, May 14, 2020, patrons may return library materials using the silver, book drop at the front of the building. If patrons prefer to wait, existing checkouts have a blanket due date of Friday, June 26.
All returned materials will be quarantined for a minimum of seven days, at which point they will be checked in and removed from the patron’s account. No late fines will accrue during this period.
Jan Horberg, in her vehicle, and Odell Public Library Director Meridith Layne demonstrate safe distancing during curbside service.
Patrons may begin placing holds on materials effective immediately. Please note that holds are limited to Odell items only at this time. It is unclear when our Interlibrary Loan System will resume service. The easiest and most efficient way to place a hold is to log on to PrairieCat using your library barcode number and pin. Patrons may also call and leave a message at 815-772-7323 or email the library at ask.odell.library@gmail.com. Please be sure to leave a detailed message and include a name and phone number, so that staff can follow up with you.
Initially, curbside pickup will be available at the following dates and times:
- Tuesday, May 19, 10:00 a.m. to noon and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 21, 10:00 a.m. to noon and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 23, 10:00 a.m. to noon.
All materials will have a default due date of Friday, June 26. Patrons may return materials earlier by placing them in the outdoor book drop.
Patrons will receive a confirmation phone call with pickup instructions once their holds are fulfilled. Please do not attempt to pick up materials until you have been contacted by an Odell staff member.
For our safety and yours, staff members are not allowed to take returns, accept donations, etc. during the curbside pickup process. Please remember that this service is as new to us as it is to you. There may be changes to procedures throughout the summer. We hope you have enjoyed using some of our electronic resources, but know many patrons are ready to get their hands on a few good books!
Visit us at www.odellpubliclibrary.com or follow us on social media for updates and more details.
Click here to read COVID-19 Curbside Services FAQs.