SWPL News

Library prioritizes safety and service as buildings remain closed

Southwest Public Libraries (SPL) will be offering expanded no-contact services and hours beginning July 6. In addition to no-contact pickup and returns which began in May, limited contactless printing, copying, scanning, and faxing will now also be available. Patrons will also be able to call and schedule a contactless pickup of Summer Reading Challenge prizes.

Expanded hours for these services will be:

• Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday & Thursday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Closed Sunday

Library buildings remain closed at this time due to continued safety risks.

SPL began a phased reopening in May with library services to be reintroduced gradually, contingent upon pandemic developments and official guidelines. The library has been actively modifying building layouts and practices and instituting new protocols in preparation for reopening doors; however, with Franklin County currently under a Level 3 Public Health Emergency, approaching Level 4, reopening is delayed. Level 4 is the highest alert level under Governor DeWine’s new Public Health Advisory Alert System, marking severe coronavirus exposure and spread and limiting travel to essential services only.

“We are doing our best to serve our patrons while continuing to be responsible,” says Mark Shaw, Director of SPL. “Like our patrons, we are eager to reopen our doors, but doing so while cases spike risks the safety of our patrons, staff, and community. We will continue to closely monitor developments and adjust our plans accordingly.”

*Face Coverings (updated 7/9 and 7/14)*

If you are picking up holds, we highly encourage you to wear a face covering to help protect others and our staff. If you are seeking print, copy, scan, or fax services, a face covering is required. Thank you for your understanding. SPL remains committed to serving safely and will continue to follow guidelines established by local, state, and federal officials.

Effective 7/14: Franklin County Mask Order https://bit.ly/2E4clkp (this order applies even if Ohio falls below Level 3 (red) in the new Ohio Public Health Advisory Alert system)
Ohio Mask Order: https://bit.ly/2ANWXrh
Masks CDC: https://bit.ly/326v1tK

Available No-Contact Services

No-Contact Holds Pickup

Patrons may continue to reserve items for scheduled contactless pickup. More info about no-contact holds pickup and answers to FAQs are available here.  

Print, Copy, Scan, Fax

Limited no-contact printing, copying, scanning, and faxing are now available. Please call the library for details and assistance.
Grove City: 614-875-6716 ext. 503. Westland 614-878-1301 ext. 603.

Returns
Patrons may return items during no-contact service hours via the outdoor bookdrop (Westland) or designated bins (Grove City). Items will be quarantined for at least 96 hours before being checked in and removed from a patron's account.* This safety measure conforms with current results from the REALM project which is studying how long the COVID-19 virus lasts on common library, archives, and museum materials. (See section 'How We're Protecting Patrons and Staff' for more info on the REALM project.) SPL is fine free; patrons will not accrue overdue fines during the quarantine period.

*Quarantine has increased from 72 to 96 hours, effective 7/21, in accordance with the newest REALM results.

Summer Reading Challenge Prize Pickup

Beginning July 6, participants in SPL’s virtual Summer Reading Challenge (SRC) may call to schedule a contactless pickup of their halfway or final prize. SRC continues through July 25. Raffle winners will be chosen July 27 and contacted directly.

Digital Library

Patrons can continue to access digital eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming music and movies, and learning resources here.

Virtual Programming

Patrons may continue to enjoy virtual programming via the library’s Facebook page.

How We’re Protecting Patrons and Staff

Health and safety remain our priority. In addition to cleaning and disinfecting regularly, staff have been trained to handle all materials with appropriate precautions and are required to wear face coverings, practice social distancing, and employ frequent handwashing and sanitizing.

Returned items are quarantined for at least 96 hours before being checked in and made available to other patrons in accordance with results from the REALM project.* 

Please help us keep everyone healthy by not picking up holds or returning items if you or someone in your family is sick, by wearing facial coverings, and by continuing to practice social distancing.

SPL Materials Quarantine/REALM Project
SPL's materials quarantine procedures are guided by results from the REALM project and may be adjusted pending the most current results. The project is conducting research on how long the COVID-19 virus survives on common library, archives, and museum materials in order to provide "authoritative, science-based information on how—or if— materials can be handled to mitigate exposure to staff and visitors." The REALM project is a partnership between OCLC, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle. Researchers will test various materials over several months. Test 1 concluded in June and tested five common library materials including hardback books, paperback books, and DVD cases. Test 2 concluded in July and tested five more types of library materials including magazines and board books. Several more tests will be conducted in the coming weeks, and SPL will adjust quarantine periods if necessary. Test results are available by visiting the REALM project link.

*Quarantine has increased from 72 to 96 hours, effective 7/21, in accordance with the newest REALM results.

  Get ready for a summer filled with your favorite stories, performers, programs, and activities presented online. SRC launches on May 30 and runs through Saturday, July 25 and is offered for all ages from babies through adults. 

Most SRC events will be hosted or shared via our Facebook page. Don’t miss out! Like or follow our page for the latest updates and programming. (Make sure to check out our Facebook video playlists for programs you may have missed.)

Register:
Register HERE beginning May 30. 

Theme: 
This year’s theme, Imagine Your Story, focuses on fairytales, fantasy, folklore, and mythology.

How It Works:
Youth participants will have the opportunity to track their reading, watch online programs, and do online activities to earn points for raffle entries and prizes. Adults will have the opportunity to submit book reviews online and be entered for a chance to win a small gift card at the end.

Virtual Performers:
The library will host special SRC performers and presenters virtually on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. Most performances will be available for viewing for a limited time. Special performers and presenters include:

• June 1:  Zak Morgan---grammy-nominated singer and entertainer
• June 8:  The Caravan---Found Sounds: Making Your Own Sound Effects
• June 15:  Didgeridoo Down Under---Australian music, education, and entertainment
• June 22: Erica Carlson---Fantasical Magic Show
• June 29:  Ohio Nature Education---Wildlife in Fairytales in Myths
• July 6:  Stevens Puppets---Rumpelstiltskin
• July 13:  ScienceTellers---Dragons: The Return of the Ice Sorceress, storytelling with a science twist.

Activities and Virtual Programs for Youth
(Occurring weekly or biweekly. Please see calendar for program details.)

• Imagination Wednesdays (program)
• LEGO Challenge (posted prompt)
• Tinker Challenge (posted prompt)
• Two Chapter Tuesdays (program)
• Virtual Storytimes (program)

Activities and Virtual Programs for Adults
(Most Adult activities will be posted Fridays and Saturdays. Please see calendar for program details.)

• Activity links (posted)
• 5 Books in 5 Minutes (videos)
• Library Live Chats (weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm via Facebook comments)
• Take-home craft kits (for pickup during no-contact holds pickup hours)

See details about our virtual programs on Facebook or the website calendar. Most programs are listed already, but we’re finalizing details on others, so make sure to check back often. Thank you for your patience with our learning curve. We’re so excited to bring you a summer of virtual fun!

Digital Library 24/7. We’re offering more digital resources, programming, and services than ever!

From expanded access to digital content to new online programming, we remain committed to serving you while our buildings remain closed. We've worked to broaden limits on digital checkouts, channel more of our materials budget to digital content, and offer additional resources with the help of our vendors. We’ve also worked hard to create and bring you virtual programming for the first time ever.

Here, we invite you to explore just some of the many resources you can access from home, including some newly added resources available for a limited time only. This article is updated frequently so make sure to check back often. Scroll to the bottom for FAQs about SPL closure.

SPL is now offering limited no-contact holds pickup and returns. Read more about how to request items for pickup or return materials here.

SPL is now offering limited no-contact print, copy, scan, and fax services. Please call the library for details. Read more here.

Participate in our new virtual programming

Most programs will be offered or shared via SPL's Facebook page so make sure to go give it a like or follow. 

• Virtual Summer Reading Challenge: Summer Reading Challenge (formerly called Summer Reading Club) has gone virtual! SRC runs May 30-July 25 and features your favorite performers and library programs online. Read, watch our online programs, and complete online activities to earn raffle entries and prizes. Find more SRC details here.
  
  
• Virtual Storytime: Join us for virtual storytime on Tuesdays and Thursdays with your favorite Youth Services staff. New videos will be shared Tuesdays (Westland staff) and Thursdays (Grove City staff) at 10:30 a.m. via SPL's Facebook. *Storytimes will be taking a break in August. We'll be back in September!*
  
  
• Other Special Programming: We're always working to bring you the best programming. Like or follow us on Facebook for the most recent updates.

Find access to all of your usual favorite digital resources HERE including:

• Overdrive: E-books and e-audiobooks. Download the Libby by Overdrive app for the easiest user experience.
  
  
• RBdigital: E-audiobooks that are immediately accessible with no wait. Mobile app available.
  
  
• Hoopla: A vast collection of e-books, e-audiobooks, movies, music, and more to borrow and enjoy with no wait! Mobile app available. 
  
  
• Flipster: Instant access to dozens of popular magazines spanning subjects from cooking, DIY, entertainment, science, news, and more.
  
  
• TumbleBooks: Animated talking picture books for children featuring animation, sound, music and narration.
  
  

Explore business, DIY, research and independent learning tools

On our homepage, make sure to check out the RESOURCES and STUDENT RESOURCES sections for business, DIY, research, and independent learning resources. (If you are on a mobile device, click on the menu icon—the black square with three horizontal lines—to access the Resources sections.)

You'll find popular resources including:

• Creativebug: Featuring over 1000 online art and craft classes.
  
  
• Lynda.com: Featuring thousands of video courses taught by experts to develop business, software, technology, and creative skills.
  
  
• Transparent Language: Featuring lessons to learn over 100 languages.
  
  

Enjoy these NEW resources available for a limited time only!

SPL is able to provide these new digital resources for a limited time through the generosity of many of our vendors. Enjoy!

Audio Book Cloud: Features e-audiobooks for all ages. Username: tumble2020  |  Password: A3b5c6

Romance Book Cloud: A large collection of steamy Romance novels for the older crowd. Username: tumble2020  |  Password: A3b5c6

Teen Book Cloud: Features e-books for grades 7-12.  Username: tumble2020  |  Password: A3b5c6  

Ancestry Library Edition: *UPDATE* Remote access now extended through August 2020! This resource is usually available for in-library use only.

TumbleMATH: Features math e-books for grades K-6 math. Username: tumble2020  |  Password: A3b5c6

Other Helpful Resources

Please note these resources are not provided by the library. Please follow the links for more information.

Literature: 

• Audible Stories: For as long as schools are closed, kids can instantly stream a collection of Audible stories to listen to, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids. Free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.
  
  
• ProMusica Musical Storytime: Designed for the youngest music lovers. Tune in Tuesdays at 10 a.m. on ProMusica's Facebook page to sing songs, learn new alphabet letters of the day, read cherished children books, and meet and hear ProMusica musicians introduce and play their different instruments. Musical Storytimes are supported by The Seimer Family Foundation, The English Family Foundation, and The Hildreth Foundation.
  
  
• Story Time from Space: Offers videos of stories being read from space.
  
  
• Storyline Online: The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s award-winning children’s literacy website streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Each book includes supplemental curriculum developed by a credentialed elementary educator. 
  
  
• SYNC Audiobooks for Teens: SYNC is a free summer audiobook program for teens 13+. Returning April 30th and continuing 13 weeks until July 29, SYNC gives participants two thematically paired audiobook downloads a week, free to keep. Follow the link to see the full weekly schedule and sign up today!
  
  

Learning and Enrichment: 

• Audubon for Kids: Nature activities, DIY, and lessons from home to help children explore and connect to the natural world. These activities can be done at home or in a yard or park, sometimes with the help of a computer.
  
  
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: The Columbus Zoo is excited to bring wild content directly to you! All activities address Ohio Learning Standards for Science and are designed to connect you and your family with nature.
  
  
  • Follow the zoo on social media for new #ColumbusZooSchool activities on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. Or conveniently access all posted content in one place at the Columbus Zoo School web page. *UPDATE* no longer live, but archived posts still accessible at link. 
    
    
  • Join the zoo using Zoom on Thursdays at 10 a.m. for a LIVE Virtual Adventure. The Virtual Adventures are free, but registration is required. Register at the zoo's Digital Learning Center. A recording of these programs will be available shortly after the program is presented. Designed to address Ohio Learning Standards for Pre-K to Grade 3. *UPDATE* no longer live, but archived posts still accessible at link.
    
    
• COSI Connects: COSI's Digital Doorway for at-home science discovery and learning. Every day, COSI will deliver fresh, exciting and engaging science through COSI videos and hands-on activities you can try at home. Visit for your daily science activity.
  
  
• 450 Free Ivy League Courses: These courses are available online for audit.
  
  
• Netflix Documentaries: Since schools are closed and teachers are unable to screen documentaries in their classrroms as they normally would, Netflix has made a selection of their documentary features available for free on their YouTube channel.
  
  
• ProMusica Virtual Family Concert: Keep music and learning alive! SPL has hosted ProMusica's family concerts many times in the past, and they are always a patron favorite. Now you can enjoy a virtual concert and learn about music opposites from their string quartet! (FYI this concert was recorded before social distancing measures took effect.)
   
• Scholastic Learn at Home: Scholastic Learn at Home provides 20 days’ worth of free active learning journeys designed to reinforce and sustain educational opportunities for those students who are unable to attend school.
  
  
• Smithsonian Learning Lab: Learning Lab offers teachers and educators access to millions of digital resources from across the Smithsonian's museums, research centers, libraries, archives, and more. Educators will find pre-packaged collections that contain lessons, activities, and recommended resources made by Smithsonian museum educators as well as thousands of classroom teachers. 
  
  
• Smithsonian Open Access Images: Nearly 3 million images to explore, use, and share from across the Smithsonian collections.
  
  

Activities, Doodles, and More from Authors:

• Dav Pilkey at Home: Author and illustrator Dav Pilkey, known for his Dog Man and Captain Underpants series, will host virtual drawing tutuorials, readings, and more in collaboration with Scholastic and the Library of Congress. New videos each Friday. 
  
  
• Draw Every Day with JJK: Join children's author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka on YouTube for some doodles. Krosoczka's books for young readers include the popular Lunch Lady graphic novels and select volumes of the Star Wars™: Jedi Academy series. *UPDATE* No longer posted regularly but all past episodes available on Krosoczka's channel. 
  
  
• Harry Potter at Home: J.K. Rowling, Audible, Bloomsbury, OverDrive, Pottermore Publishing and Scholastic have partnered to introduce Harry Potter At Home to help children, parents, carers and teachers add a touch of Harry Potter magic to our new daily lives. This includes making the first Harry Potter e-book and e-audiobook always available for a limited time on Overdrive, Libby, and stories.audible.com as well as providing free activities and more at Wizarding World's Harry Potter at Home website hub. Make sure to check the hub frequently because activities will be changing all the time!
  
  
• Junie B. Jones Printables and Activities: By the Brightly Editors. From printable cards and bookmarks to themed activity packs, kids will delight as they go through mazes, connect-the-dots, and practice their writing with Junie B.
  
  
• Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems: NOTE: This series has finished. All episodes are archived and accessible by following the link. Mo Willems invites YOU into his studio every day for his LUNCH DOODLE. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together. If you post your art to social media, be sure to hashtag it with #MoLunchDoodles! 
  
  
• Mouse Circus: Neil Gaiman's Official Website for Younger Readers. Watch Neil read his story The Graveyard Book and a cast of characters read the chapter book Coraline. Play games and download activities based on Neil's books for kids.
  
  
• Stories with Oliver Jeffers: Stay at Home Story Time with Oliver Jeffers. Join author Oliver Jeffers as he reads aloud his books. Archived videos available here. 

Even More Resources

These resources have been suggested or curated by community members, librarian interest groups, and others. The library holds no affiliation with these resources, and the views and opinions expressed therein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views and opinions of SPL. We have included them here believing many may be of interest and encourage patrons to employ their own evaluations and judgments. 

• Calendar of daily livestreaming events. Extensive list. Includes direct links to daily storytimes, concerts, arts and crafts, and much more. Courtesy of Jennifer Foster.
  
  
• Mega list of resource links. Endless free resources for children, adults, parents, educators, etc. There's something for everyone. Check it out!
  
  
• Science Mom: Livestreamed science lessons from Science Mom featuring engineering challenges, crafts, games, Q&A, and more.
  
  
• Virtual field trips: Links to over 30 virtual tours of parks, museums, zoos, famous attractions and more.
  
  
• Virtual tours of 12 famous museums. Includes virtual tours of the British Museum; Musée d’Orsay, Paris; and National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
  
  

 FAQs About Temporary Closure (updated July 6)

• No-contact Holds Pickup
  

  Patrons may reserve items for scheduled no-contact pickup. No-contact service hours beginning July 6 are:
  
  Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  Wednesday & Thursday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  Closed Sunday
  
  Buildings remain closed, and no entrance is permitted.
  
  How no-contact holds pickup works:
  
  > Place a hold request for items via the online catalog or by phone. Wait for a notification that items are ready for pickup.
  > Once notified, call to schedule a pickup time. GCL: 614-875-6716 ext. 501. Westland 614-878-1301 ext. 601.
  > Arrive during your scheduled time to pick up your holds from tables or carts set up near each building's entrance.
  
  Read more about no-contact holds pickup here. 

• Items Due
  Due dates for all items checked out, including those through Interlibrary Loan, SearchOhio or OhioLINK, have been extended to August 1.  Due to these unusual circumstances, we will work with anyone with items that were already past due before the closure.
  
  
• Book Drops
  Returns are now accepted during no-contact service hours. Returns are only accepted during these hours. Please return items via the designated bins at Grove City or the outdoor bookdrop at Westland.
  
  
• Holds
  Starting on May 26, SPL began a no-contact holds pickup service. You may reserve items for scheduled pickup via the online catalog or by phone. Holds may take longer than usual as we follow new quarantine procedures. All returned materials will be quarantined for at least 96 hours before being made available to other patrons.*
  
  *Quarantine has increased from 72 to 96 hours, effective 7/21, in accordance with further REALM  project results. SPL's quarantine procedures will continue to be guided by the most current REALM research.
  
  
• New Library Cards
  During our unexpected closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can still sign up online for a library card. Click here to sign up. On your “successful registration screen”, you will receive a temporary barcode (PACREG#######). You can use this temporary barcode and the pin you assigned to your account to begin immediately using digital library services. Once the library reopens, you have 30 days to come into one of our locations with a valid photo ID and proof of address to receive your full access card. All applicants must be residents of Ohio.
  
  
• Existing Library Card Numbers and PINs
  If you have a library card and do not know your number, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the full name on your card. During this unprecedented closure, we will send your card number to the e-mail associated with your account as soon as possible.
  
  Library card PINs are 4 digits long. The PIN defaults to the last 4 numbers of the phone number associated with your account. You may have also opted to reset your PIN to a 4-digit number of your choosing. If you have registered for an account through our website, you can use the “Forgot your PIN?” link to be emailed a link to reset it. Please note: Library staff cannot reset your PIN for you.

SPL is offering no-contact holds pickup and materials returns during limited hours. 

Patrons can place hold requests online or by phone. Once items are ready for pickup, patrons will be notified and may call the library to schedule a pickup time. Holds will be held in areas set up near the main entrance of each building. Buildings remain closed at this time, and no entrance is permitted.

Pickup and Return Hours:

• MON-TUE-FRI-SAT:  10AM - 5PM
• WED-THUR:  12PM - 7PM

Phone Call Hours: 

• MON-TUE-FRI-SAT 10:30AM - 4:30PM
• WED-THUR 12:30PM - 6:30PM

No-Contact Holds Pickup

Placing a Hold Request
You may place a hold request via the online catalog or by calling the library.

Scheduling Your Holds Pickup
Once you are notified that items are ready for you, call the library to schedule a time for your no-contact pick-up. Please be ready to provide your library card number.
• Grove City: call (614)-875-6716 x.501
• Westland: call (614)-878-1301 x. 601

Picking Up Your Holds
Please arrive during your scheduled time slot and pick up your holds from the tables or carts set up in the library’s vestibule or outside near the entrance. Holds will be labeled and sorted alphabetically by last name. Your holds are already checked out to you, so you may just grab them and go. Please do not come pick up your holds if you or someone in your family is sick. Call us, and we will work with you to reschedule.

What if I miss my pickup time?
If you miss your pickup time, please call the library to reschedule. We will do our best to make sure you get your holds. If you miss your scheduled pickup time twice, items will be checked back in and made available to other patrons.

What if I don’t have an appointment?
We will do our best to assist those with no appointments; however, we may need to ask you to schedule a future appointment.

Why are my holds taking so long?
We are doing our best to get items to you as safely and quickly as possible. Your holds may take a little longer as SPL and other consortium libraries are quarantining all returned materials for at least 96 hours before making them available to other patrons.* This safety measure conforms with current results from the REALM project. (See section 'How We're Protecting Patrons and Staff' for more info on the REALM project.) Many libraries are also currently working under limited staffing and hours due to reduced funding constraints. Thank you for your patience.

*Quarantine has increased from 72 to 96 hours, effective 7/21, in accordance with new results from the REALM project. 

Materials Returns

Can I return items?
Items may be returned at this time but only during no-contact service hours and only in designated bins placed outside the parking lot entrance at Grove City or in the outside book drop at Westland.

I returned items. Why are they still on my account?
For safety, returned materials will be quarantined for at least 96 hours before being checked in and removed from your account. SPL is fine free, so you will not accrue overdue fines. See below for more quarantine info.

How We’re Protecting Patrons and Staff

Health and safety remain our priority. In addition to cleaning and disinfecting regularly, staff have been trained to handle all materials with appropriate precautions and are required to wear face coverings, practice social distancing, and employ frequent handwashing and sanitizing.

Returned library materials are quarantined for at least 96 hours before being made available to other patrons.* Our quarantine practices are guided by results from the REALM project and may change pending new results.

Please help us keep everyone healthy by not picking up holds if you or someone in your family is sick, by wearing face coverings, and by continuing to practice social distancing.

SPL Materials Quarantine/REALM Project
SPL's materials quarantine procedures are guided by results from the REALM project and may be adjusted pending the most current results. The projectis conducting research on how long the COVID-19 virus survives on common library, archives, and museum materials in order to provide "authoritative, science-based information on how—or if— materials can be handled to mitigate exposure to staff and visitors." The REALM project is a partnership between OCLC, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle. Researchers will test various materials over several months. Test 1 concluded in June and tested five common library materials including hardback books, paperback books, and DVD cases. Test 2 concluded in July and tested five more types of library materials including magazines and board books. Several more tests will be conducted in the coming weeks, and SPL will adjust quarantine periods if necessary. Test results are available by visiting the REALM project link.

*Quarantine has increased from 72 to 96 hours, effective 7/21, in accordance with new results from the REALM project.