Beginning Monday, May 18, 2020, Lake County Library District facilities will reopen with modifications to meet the Reopening Oregon Phase I requirements. In order to accommodate the increased cleaning requirements, library hours have been modified. Many procedures have been changed so that library patrons and staff can stay 6 feet from other people while in the library. When patrons arrive at the libraries, they may encounter a locked door and need to knock for access.  

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Why are you asking me to wear a mask?
Cloth masks do a good job of containing respiratory droplets when you speak or breathe and reducing how far they spread. (Click here to see a great video showing respiratory droplets with and without a mask.)  Since you can spread the infection before you have any symptoms and the virus is know to be spread via respiratory droplets, wearing a mask at your library protects others, especially library staff. Over 80% of staff are potentially vulnerable to serious or life-threatening outcomes if infected with this coronavirus. Additionally, wearing masks in the library protects library service. If a staff member is exposed to or tests positive for COVID-19, that library facility will likely have to be closed for at least 2 weeks while staff are quarantined or recover. Click here to read more about why masks are recommended and how they may impact transmission rates. 

Can I still use a library computer?
Public computers are still available at all library locations, but many procedures for using them have changed. To comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirements, computers have been rearranged, and some computers are not in service. You are encouraged to call your local library to make a computer reservation before coming to the library. When you arrive at the library, you will need to check in with library staff so that you can complete a computer use form and staff can ensure the computer area is disinfected before you begin. Sessions are 45 minutes in length, but may be extended by staff based on overall computer availability for high-priority items such as applying for employment or benefits, conducting personal business such as real estate transactions or insurance purchases, etc. 

Can I use the library WiFi?
WiFi access is still available at all library locations. In order to both meet Oregon Health Authority guidelines and ensure library spaces are available for as many patrons as possible, you may be asked to limit your use of a table or chair inside the library. The WiFi signal does reach outside our library buildings, and you are welcome to also use the WiFi outside. Remember to station yourself at least 6-feet apart from non-household members, or with a barrier, such as inside a car with windows rolled up.

What about printing or copies?
Printing and copies are both available either inside the library or via Library Take Out. Please ask library staff for assistance before using the printer or copier so we can make sure to follow disinfection protocols. 

Why have library hours changed? 
Oregon Health Authority guidelines call for more frequent cleaning of common surfaces. Library staff need extra time daily to ensure they can meet those guidelines before the public arrives.

Do I have to come inside to check out books or videos?
No. Library Take Out is still available. You can place holds online or via telephone and pick up your holds outside your local library. Pick up is available during all Restricted Access public hours. 

Can I catch COVID-19 from library materials?
Our current understanding is that the virus is viable, meaning it can infect others, for about 24 hours on cardboard and about 72 hours on plastic. All incoming library materials have their covers lightly cleaned with an all-purpose cleaner or disinfectant, and then they are quarantined for 3 days before being returned to library shelves. If you have concerns, you could also quarantine library materials at home for an additional time period before enjoying them. Click here to check out a great article from USA Today about how long the virus lasts. 

It seems that many of you have used extra time on your hands at home to clean out your bookshelves. The library has had multiple requests to drop off book donations. The Friends of Lake County Library is partnering with the Main Library on some book donation drop off days in May:
​Friday, May 8,  9 AM - 12 PM
Monday, May 11, 1 PM - 4 PM
Friday, May 15,  9 AM - 12 PM

Bring your clean, gently used books to the southwest meeting room door. One way traffic will enter there and exit through the west meeting room door. If you have more than you can carry, feel free to pull up on the asphalt on the south side of the library.

The library does not accept text books, encyclopedias, old magazines, or any items in dirty or water-damaged condition. As always, donations will be reviewed by library staff for possible inclusion in the library's collection. If the library does not keep donations, they will be passed to the Friends of the Lake County Library for possible sale in the ReRead Room used bookstore. The Friends make every effort to pass books not sold or not suitable for sale in the ReRead Room to other nonprofit organizations. 

For questions, contact Library Director Amy Hutchinson at 541-947-6019. 

Dear Lake County,

First, I want to tell you how tremendous you have been in the face of the coronavirus threat. Your decisions to stay home, limit outings, wash your hands, wear masks, and look out for each other have not only reduced the spread of COVID-19 and protected our healthcare workers and vulnerable residents, it has also shown the strength, fortitude, and creativity that you bring to bear on any challenge. 

I wanted to also thank you all so much for being patient with changes to library service as this crisis has unfolded. You have done an amazing job of learning the new processes and following the procedures that are helping us to still offer some library services in a very low-risk way. I know I can speak for all library staff and say that we miss you and can't wait until we can get together and talk books or movies over a library desk again. 

As you are probably aware, Lake County is working on a reopening plan to submit to the Governor's Office. We are working on a reopening plan at the library, too. Part of doing that is grappling with the reality that for the next 12-18 months, we will have to 'change gears' in our library operations in response to the ebb and flow of coronavirus in our communities. There will be times we will need to follow more strict restrictions, and there will be times that we can do things more normally. We are working to figure out what library service looks like under different restriction levels, and how and when to move between levels. We also want to tie the library plan to the local plan for Lake County and the statewide plan from the Governor's Office, neither of which are finalized yet. 

We are also working to obtain the necessary equipment and supplies to be able to safely reopen our facilities to the public. We operate buildings full of frequently-touched surfaces that according to CDC and OHA guidelines need to be disinfected regularly. Unfortunately, buying supplies such as disinfecting spray, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, or gloves to use while cleaning is very close to impossible right now for those not in healthcare or an essential service like grocery stores. We are lucky we had enough on hand to continue doing Library Take Out service, but those supplies would quickly be exhausted if we invited the public into our buildings again and needed to regularly disinfect public computers, tables, and chairs. 

All of this is to say that things will likely go slower than we want it to go. In the meantime, we will continue to offer Library Take Out, virtual Story Times (via Facebook Live), and all of our online resources for you to use at home. If you need tax forms, or have a time-sensitive copy/print need, we can do those via Library Take Out, too. We look forward to a future where we can invite you back inside your libraries. I wish I could tell you when that might be. We will continue to share information here on our website and on our Facebook page. So stay tuned and stay healthy!

Cordially,
Amy Hutchinson, Library Director

All Lake County Library District locations remain physically closed to the public to be in compliance with the Governor’s Stay Home, Save Lives order, but items can still be checked out with Library Take Out. To make things even easier, Lake County Libraries now offer a Library Picks option. To use the service, library patrons call their local library. Staff will ask questions about what kind of book, audio book, or video they are looking for and how many they would like. Staff will work behind the scenes to find items to fulfill the request and call when the items are ready. Patrons can then pick them up during the library’s regular Take Out times.
 
The service was designed in part to help families with school-age kids. Since they are not able to come to the library to choose items themselves, library staff can help select materials. That way kids and teens can keep their reading skills sharp and even encounter new books they may not have known about. “We know everyone is dealing with a lot right now, and even choosing something to read, listen to, or watch for yourself or your kids can feel like too much,” said Library Director Amy Hutchinson. “We hope that Library Picks helps make things simpler and easier,” said Hutchinson.
 
Tax forms are also available via Library Take Out. Simply call your local library and identify the form you need. Library staff will let you know how to pick it up. You can reach your local libraries at the following numbers: Main Library Lakeview at 541-947-6019, Christmas Valley Library at 541-576-2336, Paisley Library at 541-943-3911.
 
For the Main Library, Library Take Out can be picked up between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM Tuesdays through Fridays or Saturdays between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Christmas Valley Take Out can be picked up between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays and between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM Saturdays. Paisley Take Out can be picked up between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Silver Lake Take Out can be picked up between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Mondays. Questions about Library Picks or Library Take Out can be answered by your local library staff or Library Director Amy Hutchinson, 541-947-6019. 

The Lake County Library District is seeking a Lake County resident to serve on the library's Budget Committee for the FY 2020-2021 annual budget. Budget Committee members are appointed by the library board and generally attend one meeting per year in April or May to review the library's annual budget. The board especially seeks a candidate from the Warner Valley area. Current appointed Budget Committee members hail from Lakeview, Paisley, Summer Lake, and Christmas Valley. 

To apply, send an email stating your interest, any previous budget experience you may have, and why you are interested in the appointment to amyh@lakecountylibrary.org. For questions email or call Library Director Amy Hutchinson at 541-947-6019 or the email above. 

​While all Lake County Library District locations remain closed to the public to be in compliance with the Governor’s Stay Home, Save Lives order, library patrons will soon be able to check items out again through a new Library Take Out service. Beginning Tuesday, March 31, 2020, library locations will have weekly pick up times that the public can use to take library items home.
 
There are three steps to using Library Take Out. First, library patrons must place items on hold. Patrons can do that by signing into their library account online and placing holds themselves or by calling or emailing their local library. Second, patrons should arrive at their local library’s designated pick up day and time. Third, patrons should call the library to say they are outside and ready to pick up. Library staff will check the items on hold out to the patron and place the items on a table, chair, or bench outside the front door for the patron to pick up. The hold deadline is noon for same-day Take Out.
 
Library staff in all locations will continue to answer phones and email during each facility’s normal operating hours. All returned items must be placed in the drop box for each location. Incoming items are held in quarantine for a week before reshelving and checkout to the next patron.
 
“We feel this is a safe way for library patrons to expand their free entertainment and education options while at home in compliance with the Stay Home, Save Lives order,” said Library Director Amy Hutchinson. “We do ask for a little patience as we start this new service. There are over 3,000 library patrons and the equivalent of less than 5 full-time library staff,” said Hutchinson.
 
To ensure the service runs smoothly, library patrons can help by placing their holds online, and following directions provided by library signage and library staff during pick up. The goal is to maintain social distancing for staff and patrons both during pick up. Patrons can log in to their online account at https://lake.sage.eou.edu/ and clicking the ‘My Account’ button in the top right corner. Contact library staff if you don’t know your login information. There is a limit of 9 holds per library account at one time. 
 
For the Main Library, Library Take Out can be picked up between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM Tuesdays through Fridays or Saturdays between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Christmas Valley Take Out can be picked up between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays and between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM Saturdays. Paisley Take Out can be picked up between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Silver Lake Take Out can be picked up between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Mondays beginning April 6, 2020. Questions about the service can be answered by your local library staff or Library Director Amy Hutchinson, 541-947-6019. 

How does Library Take Out work?
You place a hold on items you would like to check out. Library staff pull the items from the shelves and have them ready for you. You come to the library during a designated pick up time and call to let staff know you have arrived. Library staff will check your items out to you and place them outside in a designated pick up spot while you wait in your car or at least 6 feet from the door. When staff goes back in the building, you retrieve your items from the pick up spot. 

How do I place holds? 
You can place holds online or by calling your library. Call the Main Library in Lakeview at 541-947-6019, Christmas Valley at 541-576-2336, Paisley at 541-943-3911, and Silver Lake at 541-576-2146. 

How many holds can I place? 
The maximum number of holds that can be placed on a library account at one time is 9. 

Can I get books from other libraries?
At this time, the library courier service is still running, but some Sage libraries are closed.  You may want to have a back up plan in case your first choice item is not available. 

What if I want someone else to pick up my holds?
You can authorize someone else pick up your library holds by calling your local library and letting them know. Library staff will make a note on your account about who is authorized to pick up your holds. 

When can I pick up my take out? 
Main Library: Tuesday - Friday, 1 PM - 7 PM and Saturday 1 PM - 4 PM
Christmas Valley: Tuesday and Thursday, 2 PM - 6 PM and Saturday 1 PM - 3 PM
Paisley: Tuesday and Wednesday, 2 PM - 6 PM
Silver Lake: Monday, 2 PM - 6 PM (begins April 6)

What about copies or printing? 
We ask that you hold all copy and printing requests that you can until the Stay Home, Save Lives order is lifted or modified to allow you to return to visiting the library in person. If you have an urgent printing or copy need, please contact your local library.

Can I catch COVID-19 from library materials?
Our current understanding is that the virus is viable, meaning it can infect others, for about 24 hours on cardboard and about 72 hours on plastic. All incoming library materials have their covers lightly cleaned with an all-purpose cleaner or disinfectant, and then they are quarantined for one week. If you have concerns, you could also quarantine library materials at home for an additional time period before enjoying them. Click here to check out a great article from USA Today about how long the virus lasts. 

Yes, but what about the cruise ship that had virus in the cabins for 17 days? 
Detectable virus does not mean infectious virus. The CDC detected parts of the virus' RNA on the cruise ship after 17 days, but the whole virus must be present to infect a new person. Click here to read an interview with Harvard and Yale epidemiology and immunology experts on the subject. 

LAKEVIEW, Ore.—March 13, 2020—The Lake County Library district board voted today to implement protocols immediately in response to the coronavirus outbreak. In response to Governor Brown’s decision to close all K12 schools statewide, Lake County Library District will implement a rolling closure over the next several days lasting through March 31, 2020. Virtual services will be available during the closure.
 
Upcoming open hours and closure dates for each location are as follows: Main Library – Lakeview open 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2020, then closed through March 31; Christmas Valley Branch Library open 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2020, then closed through March 31; Silver Lake Branch Library open 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Monday, March 16, 2020, then closed through March 31; and Paisley Branch Library open 12:30 PM to  6 PM on Tuesday, March 17, then closed through March 31.
 
“The library board and I felt that creating a closure time was necessary for the health of our library patrons, staff, volunteers and community,” said Library Director Amy Hutchinson. “Our libraries are community hubs where people gather, providing a vector for illness to transfer. Given that many of our library patrons, over half of our library staff, and almost all of our library volunteers fall into one of the categories of those vulnerable to serious illness or death from COVID-19 infection, there was no other responsible decision to make,” Hutchinson.
 
During the closure period, library staff will still be available regular hours over the phone and via email for questions, recommendations, renewals, and help navigating online resources. No overdue fines will be charged. Patrons are encouraged to check out items they may need for the closure period during the next several days, and plan to download e-books and audio books online.
 
Book drops will also be emptied and materials checked in during the closure. The Main Library meeting room is still available for public use and current reservations will be honored, but users are encouraged to consider whether an in-person meeting is necessary at this time. For updated information, visit the Lake County Library District website at www.lakecountylibrary.org, or call your local library.

​The Lake County Library District is sponsoring a food drive to benefit Lake County Food Shares during the month of November. The libraries are accepting donations of good, non-perishable items as well as cash and checks. You can even use food items to reduce your library fines during the month of November! One dollar will be forgiven from your library account for each item you bring as a donation or for each dollar you give to your local food share through the library.
 
The Food Shares are especially in need of canned fruit as well as items for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners such as boxes of stuffing and mashed potatoes, canned vegetables, and gelatin or pudding or cake mixes. Additionally, cash or check donations to the Food Shares are needed to purchase meat such as turkeys for the Thanksgiving dinner.
 
“We feel this is a win-win for library patrons and local food shares,” said Library Director Amy Hutchinson. “Patrons can reduce their library fines while helping people in need in our communities.” Donations made at the Main Library in Lakeview will benefit Lake County Food Share, donations made at the Paisley Library will benefit the Paisley Summer Lake Food Share, and donations made at the Christmas Valley and Silver Lake Libraries will benefit the North Lake Food Share.
 
If you have questions about the library’s role in the food drive or Food for Fines, please call Amy Hutchinson at the Lakeview Library at 541-947-6019. If you have questions about your local Food Share please contact your local library to get  connected with the contact person for your area.

​The Lake County Library Endowment Fund will host OSU professor and dean emeritus Sam Stern as speaker for the 2019 Library Endowment Dinner. Stern will talk about his research into the Daly Fund. The dinner will be held at 6:30 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at the Elks Lodge. Friends of the Lake County Library will hold a no-host reception fundraiser at the new Main Library from 5 to 6 PM. 

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Stern served on the OSU faculty of education 35 years and, between 2002 and 2011, served as dean of the College of Education. Since he first learned about the Daly Fund, Stern has been fascinated by the remarkable impact that it’s had and what can be learned from its almost hundred year history. In retirement he has been studying the impact of the Fund and is now writing a book about Bernard Daly, the scholarship, and its impact. You can learn more about Sam’s research on the Daly Fund at his blog: http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/lakeview/.
 
This year’s fundraising items include framed photos, wine basket, tea basket, book collections, and more. Regular raffle tickets are $1 each, six tickets for $5, or arms’ length for $20. All raffle tickets sales begin on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 in the Main Library. You need not be present at the dinner to win raffle items.
 
Tickets to the dinner are $30 and may be purchased or reserved before October 13, 2019, at the Main Library in Lakeview or by calling 541-947-6019. No ticket or reservation is required for the no-host reception at the Main Library, which is free and open to all. Questions about the event may be directed to Amy Hutchinson, Lake County Library Director, at 541-947-6019.