Virtual Wandering Librarian: 24-Hour Pickup Lockers and More

As I continue my virtual wandering, I stumbled upon a neat service offered by Pickerington Public Library in Ohio; 24-Hour pickup lockers. Library customers can make online request to have their materials placed into 1 of 2 locker locations to be picked up at a later date. The library also offers both curbside pickup and printing services. We applaud Pickerington for being creative and continuing to provide service in these trying times.

Virtual Wandering Librarian: Pima County Public Library Pandemic Assistance Page

While on my virtual wanderings I came across Pima County Public Library’s pandemic assistance page. Easy to see at the top of their menu, I delved in and found some very useful resources for residents of Pima County, Arizona. Pima County Public Library is doing what any good library should be doing; providing and disseminating much needed information in this current pandemic. On their Pandemic Assistance Page, I found resources on applying for rent & utility emergency assistance, where to find free wifi in Arizona, etc. Bravo Pima County Public Library, keep up the great work!

Complete the 2020 Census before the September 30th

In light of the pandemic, the Census Bureau has extended the deadline to complete the 2020 Census to September 30. The United States Constitution requires a count every 10 years of every person who is residing in the U.S. Completing the Census assist the government in making decisions about how and where to spend more than $800 billion each year for programs and services that communities rely on; including libraries. Take the Census now.

Virtual Wandering Librarian: Overdue Fine Elimination @ Chicago Public Library

When covid-19 forced libraries across the US to shut down, my family was preoccupied with staying home and safe. My overdue books was the last thing on my mind. As summer came and we started leaving our home again, I realized that I still had books I had borrowed from the Chicago Public Library 6 months earlier.

Luckily, the previous autumn, Chicago Public Library’s new policy called for the elimination of fines on overdue items. In the 6 months we stayed in, Chicago Public Library automatically renewed my checkout items.

Now that libraries are open with limited service I can return old material and checkout new books without worrying about a hefty bill for overdue items.