​Lake County Library District Director Amy Hutchinson prepared a Geographic Equity Assessment that was reviewed by the Library Budget Committee as a part of the FY 2021-22 budget process. The assessment and the Budget Committee found that, overall, library services were distributed well across the different library locations. The library board is working on a plan to prioritize needs as additional revenue becomes available.
 
“The budget committee, board, and I were all very pleased to see that we found that services were generally equitable on a number of measures even though we have not done this type of assessment in the past” said Amy Hutchinson, Library Director. “I think it shows the level of commitment the library board and staff have to serving the county as a whole over the years,” said Hutchinson.
 
Because Lake County has few incorporated places, school districts were used for the service areas for library locations. The area within the North Lake School District provided about 23% of the General Fund revenue in FY 2019-20, and about 23% of the expenses went to support the Silver Lake and Christmas Valley branch libraries that year. The School District #7, Plush, and Adel school districts provided about 69% of the revenue, and about 66% of the expenses went to support the Main Library.
 
Some locations did better on some measures and worse on others. The library board anticipates that a new Christmas Valley Branch Library would improve the measures on which the North Lake libraries had less service than Paisley or Lakeview. The full report is available below. Questions about the library or the assessment may be directed to Amy Hutchinson at the Main Library at 541-947-6019 or via email at amyh@lakecountylibrary.org. 

​Are you ready for Reading to Color Your World while you prevent the summer reading slide at the 2021 Summer Reading Program at the Lake County Libraries? This summer, school age youth will enjoy songs, games, crafts, stories, snacks, and activities to explore the many colors found in the world and in your imagination. Activities include making Kinetic Sand, competing in an inter-branch competition to create the longest Rainbow Chain, and creating Nebula Art. Registration kicks off the program the week of June 21, 2021, and includes a new book for every reader.
 
At this time, when COVID-19 restrictions have not yet been fully lifted, the library plans to retain some of the features from the 2020 program. In addition to reading calendars and stickers, the ReaderZone app will again be offered to easily track children’s and teen’s reading. All outside performers and special programs will be virtual, but the library plans to allow families to attend in-person events where the special program will be screened, and activity packets given out. You will also be able to watch virtual programs from home or anywhere you have Internet access.
 
Where possible, all programs will be held outdoors or divided between indoor and outdoor spaces to increase capacity. There is no need to reserve a seat in advance, but be aware that capacity limits could be in place at the time of the program. Current capacity limits and procedures on masks and physical distancing that apply to the summer reading program each week will be posted on the library website.
 
All programs begin the week of June 21 and last programs are held the week of August 16th, 2021. For those going into kindergarten through 6th grade, programs will be as follows: at the Main Library on Thursdays at 10 AM or 2 PM; at the Paisley Community Center on Tuesdays at 10 AM; and in Christmas Valley Tuesdays at 2:00 PM (location TBD). For those going into 7th – 12th grades, programs will be as follows: at the Main Library on Wednesdays at 3:30 PM; at the Paisley Community Center on Thursdays at 11:00 AM; and in Christmas Valley Tuesdays at 3:30 PM (location TBD).
 
The Summer Reading Program is supported in part by Oregon’s Ready to Read grant through the Oregon State Library. For more information contact David Lev at 541-947-6019, log on at www.lakecountylibrary.org, or visit your local library.

​LAKEVIEW, Ore.— Effective June 1, 2021, all patrons and library staff must wear masks inside Lake County Library District locations in compliance with Oregon Health Authority guidelines, at least temporarily. Library patrons and community members are encouraged to complete a survey on the subject online or on paper at their local library.
 
On May 24, the library announced they would be allowing fully vaccinated persons to be mask free in Lake County Library locations if they chose to show proof of vaccination. There were a significant number of negative online comments on the change. At a recent special library board meeting, the library board voted to return to masks for both unvaccinated and vaccinated persons in public service areas of the library. They also voted to gather more feedback from patrons and community members. Current Oregon Health Authority guidelines require that businesses and organizations verify vaccination status before allowing employees, customers, or visitors to be mask free.
 
“Personal choice is a strong value in Lake County, and the original change to allow people to be mask free was intended to give people the maximum amount of personal choice available under current OHA guidelines,” said Library Director Amy Hutchinson. “We’ve heard the strong feelings some expressed about the change and are taking a pause to gather more feedback,” said Hutchinson. To make sure they are considering all sides of the issue, the library board asked Hutchinson to create a short survey.
 
The survey for feedback on masking rules at the library may be completed at your local library location or online at https://bit.ly/3c3c9Ah. Questions about the procedures or the library may be directed to Amy Hutchinson at the Main Library at 541-947-6019 or via email at amyh@lakecountylibrary.org. 

The statewide average for public library spending on items such as books, audiobooks, videos, and downloadable and online materials is 9.3%. The Lake County Library District’s current fiscal year budget spends only 3.6% on these types of materials for public use. “The library’s tax base was essentially flat for 8 years prior to this one, and rising expenses ate into library services. Local donations of cash and gently used books have made all the difference for our readers in these difficult years,” said Hutchinson.
 
So far, the library has received a total of $3,716.00 in donations for the “Book” Budget in the current fiscal year. If a donor indicates a preferred library location, that library location will see new items on their shelves first. All items rotate among all library locations. Donations may be made in person at any local library or by sending a check with a note indicating it is for the “Book” Budget to Main Library, 26 South G St, Lakeview, OR 97630. Questions about the library may be directed to Amy Hutchinson at the Main Library at 541-947-6019 or via email at amyh@lakecountylibrary.org. ​

LAKEVIEW, Ore.--May 21, 2021—This week Oregon Health Authority issued updated guidelines allowing fully-vaccinated individuals to be in most public spaces without a mask when they show proof of vaccine status. Also this week, Oregon OSHA issued a statement allowing employers to comply with this new OHA guidance. Your library staff are hard at work to update procedures and signage for our libraries. Expect changes at your library some time early next week, and thank you again for your patience! 
​
LAKEVIEW, Ore.—May 14, 2021—Lake County Libraries will remain open to the public at Level 2: Advanced Precautions, including requiring visitors to wear masks, until more detailed guidance from Oregon OSHA are available regarding exemptions for the fully-vaccinated. Oregon Health Authority guidance was updated in large part on May 18, 2021. If you cannot wear a mask or face covering due to a disability or health condition, contact your local library to find out what accommodations are available for you. For those who prefer not to come inside, Take Out is still available for checking items out as well as printing or copies.
 
“Both Oregon Health Authority’s existing COVID-19 documents and OR-OSHA’s Temporary COVID-19 Rule place specific and detailed requirements on operators of public spaces and employers in response to the pandemic public health emergency,” said Library Director Amy Hutchinson.  “Until those documents or rules have been modified or repealed, we don’t know how to move forward with implementing exceptions for the fully-vaccinated. We ask for your continued patience as updates are made at the state level,” said Hutchinson.
 
Lake County Library District was able to end the disinfection and quarantine of returned library items. Based on advice from Oregon Health Authority through the Oregon State Library, surface transfer has not been a significant source of COVID-19 transmission and these extra steps are now considered unnecessary. Previously, all items returned to the library and any holds that arrived from other libraries were disinfected and put in quarantine for 72 hours before being available to the next patron. Library patrons should see returned items reshelved more quickly as well as faster service on interlibrary loans.
 
The library staff and board would like to thank everyone for their continued patience and goodwill as we begin the transition back towards more normal library service. If you have questions or comments about these changes, please contact Library Director Amy Hutchinson at 541-947-6019 or via email at amyh@lakecountylibrary.org. 

5/19/2021: This post was updated to change the photo and to reflect that OHA has updated guidelines. 

5/21/2021: This post was updated to change the photo and reflect that OR-OSHA has issued a statement allowing employers to follow the OHA guidance. 

Library service levels have been modified to better align with Oregon's new Risk and Protection Framework. Generally, the library service level will be tied to the county's current infection risk level; however, there could be times where a library location might be at a higher level than the infection risk level. Examples include if library staff have been asked to quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19, or a shortage of cleaning supplies means staff are unable to sanitize appropriately. 

Libraries are currently at Level 4: Take Out Only service. Effective Friday, December 18 when Lake County moves to the Moderate Risk level, libraries will open at Level 2: Advanced Precautions. Library staff will be happy to welcome the public back in our buildings. Please note that Saturdays at the Main Library in Lakeview remain Take Out Only due to staff constraints.

When visiting your libraries remember:

• If you are sick, stay home.
• Stay at least 6 feet from others.
• Masks are required over mouth and nose.*

Beginning Friday, December 18, all library locations will have new signs with the current service level. If you have questions about what services are available, click the image above to enlarge it, or contact your local library. For those who prefer not to come inside, Take Out is still available for checking items out as well as printing or copies. For questions about library service levels, contact Library Director Amy Hutchinson at 541-947-6019 or amyh@lakecountylibrary.org.

The library staff and board would like to thank everyone for their continued patience and goodwill as we work to stay safe and healthy while providing as much library access as possible. We thank you for the efforts you have made to reduce the spread of infection and enable increased access to services. 

* Masks or face coverings must be worn over the mouth and nose by everyone over 5. If you cannot wear a mask or face covering due to a disability or health condition, contact your local library to find out what accommodations are available for you. 

Lake County Library District Take Out Only service has been extended due to continued rising COVID-19 case numbers in Lake County. During Take Out Only service, the public cannot access the inside of library buildings, but can still check out books or use Wi-Fi outside the building. The library began Take Out Only service on November 18, 2020.
 
“Oregon Health Authority reported 88 new COVID-19 cases in Lake County during the month of November, and 74 of those were in the second half of the month,” said Library Director Amy Hutchinson. “Based on our library board approved pandemic response service levels, we need to remain at Take Out only until the spread is lessened,” said Hutchinson. The majority of library staff are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 based on age or health condition. When new Oregon Health Authority Guidelines and county risk levels are issued later this week, library staff and board will reassess library service levels based on the new information.
 
Virtual and Take Out services will be available during modified hours. Library patrons can still place holds online and via telephone as well as check items out through Library Take Out. Book drops will also be emptied and materials checked in during the closure. No overdue fines will be charged. The Main Library meeting room will not be available for public use during the closure. Online services such as downloadable e-books and audio books remain available at all times.
 
For questions or more information, visit the Lake County Library District website at www.lakecountylibrary.org, or call your local library.

LAKEVIEW, Ore.—November 13, 2020—All Lake County Library District locations will be closed to the public during the 2-Week Freeze November 18 through December 2, 2020. Virtual and Take Out services will be available. Library patrons can still place holds online and via telephone as well as check items out through Library Take Out. Library WiFi signal will still be available outside the building.
 
Book drops will also be emptied and materials checked in during the closure. No overdue fines will be charged. The Main Library meeting room will not be available for public use during the closure. Online services such as downloadable e-books and audio books remain available at all times.
 
“With infection numbers increasing across the state and within our county, we felt Take Out Only was the appropriate service level for the 2-Week Freeze,” said Library Director Amy Hutchinson. “This decision was made to protect the health of our communities and our library staff,” said Hutchinson. It is possible Take Out Only service could be extended beyond December 2, depending on advice from public health officials.
 
During the facility closure, hours for Take Out and virtual services remain unchanged from current operational hours: Main Library – Lakeview Tuesdays through Fridays from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM; Christmas Valley Branch Library Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM; Paisley  Branch Library Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM; and Silver Lake Branch Library Mondays from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
 
For questions or more information, visit the Lake County Library District website at www.lakecountylibrary.org, or call your local library. Click here for more information on using Library Take Out. Not sure what to put on hold? Click here for more information about Library Picks. 

​LAKEVIEW, Ore.—November 4, 2020— Summer Reading Program may be over, but the fun is not! Kindergarten through 12th grade students are challenged to create art to Imagine Your Story. Early art entries will receive a free 2020 Summer Reading Program shirt while supplies last. Entries will be accepted at the Main Library starting Tuesday, November 7, 2020.
 
By the time the pandemic hit in March, most Summer Reading Program supplies had already been purchased, including tee shirts to give away to promote the program. The library had to completely redesign the program to accommodate public health restrictions, which meant strict limits on in-person program attendance, and no big events at the schools. This left the library with too many shirts on their backs.

“We thought an art contest would be a fun way to distribute the extra shirts,” said Library Director Amy Hutchinson. “Students who enter an artwork in the Imagine Your Story theme can receive a free shirt while supplies last” said Hutchinson. Artworks will be displayed for at least one month at the Main Library, where they can be enjoyed by the community.
 
For questions about the art contest, please contact Youth Library Assistant David Lev at davidl@lakecountylibrary.org or 541-947-6019. ​