Calvert Library Temporarily Reverts to Curbside and Virtual Service Only (press release)

 

Important Announcement from Calvert Library

 

December 31, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

 

The health and well-being of our community continue to be Calvert Library’s top priorities. Library leadership has been closely monitoring the situation and has decided to temporarily revert to curbside and virtual service only.  According to Calvert Library Executive Director Carrie Willson, “We love seeing our customers among our shelves and at our computers. Calvert Library was the last Maryland library system still offering walk-in access and we expect this to be a much shorter-term closure than our initial one.  Our procedures and safety protocols are sound. However, in light of the increasing positivity numbers in Calvert and the expected holiday surge in cases, for staff and customer safety and peace of mind, Calvert Library will be closing our buildings to the public at 5pm on December 31 and moving to a curbside and virtual-service only model until January 25 at 10am.  We hope that this temporary service restriction will reduce the burden on the hospital and health care providers during this time of rising cases.”

 

All library locations will continue to provide contactless curbside appointments for materials, printing, copying and faxing on the current schedule--Monday-Thursday, 10am to 7pm, Friday, 1-5pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm.  Phone/Zoom reference and reader’s advisory, virtual events and classes and downloadable movies, eBooks, audiobooks and music will continue to be available.  Many of these services are now easily accessible through the Calvert Library app available for both Apple and Android devices in the App/Play Store.  According to Tiffany Sutherland, Reference Supervisor, “Calvert Library will soon be circulating Chromebooks to assist those customers who will not have computer access during the building closure.”  Wi-Fi hotspots will also be available to check out and Wi-Fi continues to be available in all library parking lots.

 

When asked what the greatest impact this service restriction will have on customers, Carrie Willson said, “The main library experience that customers told us they missed when we closed our buildings in March was browsing for materials.  Our receptive and creative staff ran with a customer idea to offer a mini-browsing experience with grab bags via curbside pickup. This has been a very popular service even after we opened the building again.  We’ll certainly keep that service going during this temporary closure and beyond. Though we have only heard minimal concerns about computer access, it is an important library service for marginalized populations.  We expect the Chromebooks that were recently purchased with a grant to help.”

 

Call any Calvert Library location for assistance or appointments. Customers can also follow and interact with library staff on Facebook and Twitter.

 

For the health and safety of others, if you are exhibiting symptoms of a contagious disease, especially coronavirus, please stay home and call your healthcare provider for medical advice.  More information about coronavirus is available in the Research & Learn section of the library website.

 

Call 410-535-0291 or email getanswers@calvertlibrary.info with any reference questions you may have. 

 

###                                                                        

 

 

Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

Calvert Library Board of Library Trustee Vacancies-Application due Dec 29

Calvert Library Board of Library Trustee Vacancies

 

December 16, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

 

Calvert Library announces two pending vacancies on the Calvert Board of Library Trustees (BOLT). All qualified applicants are welcome and all candidates will be assessed using the same criteria.  Applications are accepted through December 29, 2020.

 

The responsibilities of the Board of Library Trustees are established by State Code. The Board is responsible for governance and fiscal oversight; approving library policies and budget and overseeing the work of the Executive Director. The Board is comprised of 7 community members who volunteer their time and support to the library. Officers include President, Vice President and Secretary. Responsibilities include monthly meetings; the board currently meets at 4:00pm on third Tuesdays. Meetings are currently being held virtually on Zoom but are normally held at one of the four library locations. In addition to regular meetings, there is an annual meeting of the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association Corporation that Board members are invited to attend and an annual Citizens for Maryland Libraries meeting generally held on a Saturday in October.

 

Service on the BOLT is a volunteer public office with a normal appointment term of five years.  The open terms are partial terms which begin in January 2021. One ends December 2021 and the other ends December 2022.  Individuals who serve a partial term are eligible for appointment to two additional full terms. As provided for in State law, each term is separate and requires application, nomination by the Board and appointment by the Board of County Commissioners.  Appointment to a term does not create an entitlement to serve more than one term.  All eligible County citizens have equal access to consideration for this privilege.

 

Details and a link to the online application can be found at https://calvertlibrary.info/about-us/board-of-trustees/meet-the-board/. 

 

For more information, call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291.

###                                            

 

Related Links

 

Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

Calvert Library Staff Member news (press release)

 

Calvert Library Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID

 

December 6, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

 

A member of Calvert Library Prince Frederick staff tested positive for the COVID virus on December 5.  Deep cleaning of the building will take place on Sunday, December 6. The staff member did not have close contact with the public nor work in the public area in the days preceding the positive test.  Staff members who had close contact with the team member in the days prior to the positive test are quarantining for 14 days.  They are able to work from home providing phone and email reference, virtual programming planning and execution, training, etc.

 

The staff member is cooperating with the Department of Health to initiate a contact trace review. Anyone who is determined to have been exposed to the virus will be contacted by the Health Department and provided with further guidance.  Everyone is encouraged to answer calls from the Health Department, especially during a pandemic.

 

Please know that the safety of our staff and the public we serve is our top priority. We will continue to take the proper precautions to promote social distancing and keep our workplaces and equipment clean and sanitized. Remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, avoid touching your face, wear a mask when in public and around individuals who are not members of your immediate household and make sure to practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others.  If you are feeling ill, please stay home.

 

We will continue to work together through this difficult time, and we will continue to keep you informed of any new information over the course of this pandemic.

 

More information call 410-535-0291.

 

###

 

 

 

 

Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

FW: Big Conversation Presentation to the Calvert Library (press release)

 

Attached is a picture of the Big Conversation steering committee presenting a plaque to the Calvert Library on Monday Nov 2 - Pictured are Calvert Library Executive Director Carrie Willson and Public Relations Director Robyn Truslow, with the plaque presented by Diane Davies on behalf of the Big Conversation Steering Committee and the Big Conversation Partners in Dismantling Racism and Privilege in Southern Maryland.  Also attached is an article.

 

Thank you for your continued support.

 

Diane and Hugh Davies

 

 

Calvert Library Shifts to 48-Hour Quarantine for Returned Materials (press release)

 

Calvert Library Shifts to 48-Hour Quarantine for Returned Materials

 

November 4, 2020

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

 

Calvert Library has been observing abundantly cautious quarantine periods for returned library materials. Those decisions have been informed by the Battelle REALM* study. REALM (REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums) is a collaboration among organizations OCLC (a global library cooperative), the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle Memorial Institute (a global science and technology research and development nonprofit organization). Battelle has been conducting research since April 22 on how long the COVID-19 virus survives on materials common to libraries, archives, and museums.

 

Recently, Maryland Department of Health was asked to review the REALM study results to make a recommendation to Maryland libraries.  Additionally, our own Health Department provided a more detailed explanation that while studies are detecting “portions of the virus (RNA or surface proteins),” that “is not equivalent to detecting intact virus particles capable of causing infection.”  In light of this information and in keeping with the recommendation from MD Department of Health, Calvert Library is changing the quarantine period for materials returned to our locations to 48 hours. A 48-hour quarantine should help make materials available to our customers more quickly while continuing to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.  Library staff and visitors to library facilities continue to be appropriately masked and staff wash their hands frequently. For specific recommendations and other COVID-19 related resources, visit https://calvertlibrary.info/research-learn/research-resources/coronavirus-covid-19-facts/ .

 

                                                      

 

Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

"Meet" Bestselling Author Lisa See (Press Release)

 

“Meet” Bestselling Author Lisa See

October 1, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

Calvert Library once again is leveraging partnerships to make a major author accessible to our community.  On Tuesday, October 6 at 7pm, Calvert Library and Maryland Humanities will host this year’s One Maryland One Book Author, Lisa See, in a Zoom conversation.  Ms. See will be in conversation with Ms. Yun Jung Yang, Chair of Maryland Commission for Women. There will be time for audience Q&A as well.  Interested participants must register to attend this and other events about this year’s selected title, The Island of Sea Women and can access the list at http://bit.ly/OMOB2020. 

One Maryland One Book is a program of Maryland Humanities to bring together diverse people in communities across the state through the shared experience of reading the same book.  This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Maryland State Library.  Calvert Library’s partners for the event include Calvert County Commission for Women, Calvert County League of Women Voters, Calvert County Public Schools, Charles County Public Library, Community Mediation Center of Calvert County, Friends of Calvert Library, Maryland Commission for Women, Southern Maryland Regional Library Association and St. Mary’s County Library.

In her beloved New York Times bestsellers, which include Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony in Love, Shanghai Girls, Dreams of Joy, China Dolls, and The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, author Lisa See brilliantly illuminates the immigrant experience and the indissoluble bonds between women. Her newest novel is a story of family secrets and female friendship on a remote Korean Island. The Island of Sea Women introduces readers to the fierce and unforgettable women divers of Jeju Island and the dramatic history that shaped their lives. Her first book, the national bestseller and New York Times Notable Book, On Gold Mountain: The One Hundred Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American Family, traces the journey of her great-grandfather, Fong See, who overcame obstacles at every step to become the 100-year-old godfather of Los Angeles’s Chinatown and the patriarch of a sprawling family. See was the Publishers Weekly West Coast correspondent for thirteen years, and her articles have appeared in Vogue, Self, and More. 

If the October 6 date doesn’t work for you, there are several other opportunities to see Ms. See in conversation with other Maryland leaders.  Visit https://www.mdhumanities.org/news/the-island-of-sea-women-author-lisa-see-to-tour-maryland-virtually/ for more information or call 410-535-0291.

###    

 

Related Links

 

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 Fax

rtruslow@calvertlibrary.info  

 

Calvert Library Expands Hotspot Lending (press release)

 

Calvert Library Expands Hotspot Lending

 

September 24, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

 

Calvert Library’s mission is to serve as a gateway to information, imagination and inspiration by empowering lifelong learning and providing opportunities for connection to one another and the world.  COVID has demonstrated that connection these days requires internet access.  While wifi can be accessed from the library parking lots 24/7 and from library computers or inside the library on your own device during library hours, sometimes that’s just not enough. 

Most are aware that due to our rural nature, many Calvert County citizens are not able to get cable internet access and paying for cellular access by the gigabyte adds up in a stressful way when you are participating in Zoom meetings and classes. 

Thanks to an Emergency Broadband Education Assistance Grant from the Governor’s Office of Rural Broadband, Calvert Library has been able to expand their wifi-hotspot lending program.  Thanks to a previous grant from the Maryland State Library and the Library Services and Technology Act through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the library has been circulating Kajeet Verizon hotspots for over two years. These hotspots provide up to 300MB of data per day.  This is sufficient for email and some web browsing but it probably won’t get you through a few online video interviews or allow you to watch pre-hire training videos.  Students are finding that the bandwidth needed for a day’s worth of classes is more than 300MB. 

The new hotspots will provide unlimited data on the Sprint network which will be helpful to those that are needing access to video and other data-heavy resources.  Calvert Library Executive Director, Carrie Willson said, “We have all come to appreciate the critical need for access to the internet.  We are so happy to have been able to use grant funding and our status as a public library to leverage a discount for additional devices to meet the internet needs of our customers.  It won’t solve the connectivity issue in Calvert but it will help many to have better access.”

Fifty-five Mobile Beacon hotspots have been added to the library’s circulating collection.  The device can be kept for 14 days and while there are no late fees, the data will be turned off after that time to encourage return for the next customer to use it.  Customers can place a hotspot on hold and when it becomes available, they will be contacted to check it out.

More information, including coverage maps for the two different devices, can be found on https://calvertlibrary.info/using-the-library/services/mobile-hot-spots/ or call 410-535-0291.

###                                               

 

 

Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

Calvert Library Board of Library Trustee Vacancy (press release)

 

Calvert Library Board of Library Trustee Vacancy

September 23, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

 

Calvert Library announces a pending vacancy on the Calvert Board of Library Trustees (BOLT). This Board vacancy has been created by the end of the term of a sitting Trustee who is eligible for re-appointment.  However, all qualified applicants are welcome and all candidates will be assessed using the same criteria.  Applications are accepted through October 7, 2020.

 

The responsibilities of the Board of Library Trustees are established by State Code. The Board is responsible for governance and fiscal oversight; approving library policies and budget and overseeing the work of the Executive Director. The Board is comprised of 7 community members who volunteer their time and support to the library. Officers include President, Vice President and Secretary. Responsibilities include monthly meetings; the board currently meets at 4:00pm on third Tuesdays. Meetings are currently being held virtually on Zoom but are normally held at one of the four library locations. In addition to regular meetings, there is an annual meeting of the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association Corporation that Board members are invited to attend and an annual Citizens for Maryland Libraries meeting generally held on a Saturday in October.

 

Service on the BOLT is a volunteer public office with a normal appointment term of five years.  The open term begins in January 2021 and lasts through December of 2025. While State law provides that individuals may serve more than one term (but not more than two full terms in succession), each term is separate and requires application, nomination by the Board and appointment by the BOCC.  Appointment to one term does not create an entitlement to serve more than one term.  The Board appreciates that while experience on the Board may be a significant factor to be considered, other factors may also be significant including, but not limited to: the quality of past performance; current Board composition; specific current needs of the Board; and, the comparative qualifications of all applicants.  Additionally, since Board membership is a privilege, all eligible County citizen should have equal access to consideration for this privilege.

 

Details and a link to the online application can be found at https://calvertlibrary.info/about-us/board-of-trustees/meet-the-board/. 

 

For more information, call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291.

###                                               

 

 

Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

Calvert Library Foundation Hosts Online Auction (press release)

 

Calvert Library Foundation Hosts Online Auction

 

September 23, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

 

 

Announcing the Calvert Library Foundation Charity Auction to benefit Calvert Library on October 25, 2020.  This auction is the first event in the Foundation’s capital campaign to raise funds to support the construction of a new Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch in North Beach. 

 

The auction will be hosted by Chesapeake Auction House in St Leonard, MD on their website https://www.chesapeakeauctionhouse.com.

 

The items to be auctioned will be available for online preview from October 11-17.  Bids can be placed from October 18-25.  To participate in the bidding, one must register on the Chesapeake Auction House website.  The auction will go live at 7pm on October 25.  Interested individuals can inspect any item October 11-23 by contacting Scott Deacon at 443-975-1001 or via email at skdeacon2@aol.com

 

The Foundation is accepting donations of items with a minimum value of $100, through October 9.  Suggested popular items to donate could include experiences like a fishing charter or a week stay at a vacation home; jewelry, art, antiques, recreational crafts, e.g. canoe, kayak, etc.  The goal is to have over 100 items to be auctioned. 

 

The Foundation is looking forward to making this event a huge success and welcomes the community’s support of Calvert Library. The beauty of fundraising in a COVID-19 environment is that you can attend this auction from the comfort of your own home – no expensive dress-up clothes to buy or (we’ll be honest) less than fabulous wine to consume. Just the comfort of your home and an opportunity to support the library. The library and its staff have done an outstanding job providing services in these difficult times.  They have proven that libraries are not only relevant but an essential part of our daily lives and culture.  Please take time to thank them and support this auction.

 

If you would like to make a donation to the Twin Beaches Capital Campaign, please contact Foundation President Scott Deacon at skdeacon2@aol.com or 443-975-1001 or Library Executive Director, Carrie Willson cwillson@calvertlibrary.info or 410-535-0291.

 

###

 

Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

Calvert Library Prince Frederick Announces Limited In-building Service

 

Calvert Library Prince Frederick Announces Limited in-Building Service Beginning August 31

August 21, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

 

Calvert Library Prince Frederick will be opening on Monday, August 31 for limited services. In-person library hours will be Monday-Thursday, noon to 5pm, Friday, 1-5pm and Saturday, 10am to 2pm. Curbside pickup appointments will continue with hours increasing to Monday-Thursday, 10am to 7pm; Friday, 1-5pm and Saturday, 10am to 2pm. Calvert Library’s Branches (Fairview, Twin Beaches and Southern) will be opening with the same hours on Tuesday, September 8.

 

The main library in Prince Frederick will open with a limit on the number of customers in the building at one time.  Per Governor Hogan’s order, customers over the age of five will be required to wear face masks covering their nose and mouth and to maintain a social distance of 6’ from others. Customers entering with children are asked to stay together and help their children maintain social distance. In order to maximize the number of customers who can take advantage of library services, customers will be asked to keep their visit to an hour or less.

 

According to Executive Director, Carrie Willson, “We’ve been serving customers from home and online since the pandemic closed our buildings. We have even used the outside of our buildings to post community resources and of course, offer wifi in our parking lots. August 31 will be our trial run for in-building service. We expect that our customers and staff will work safely and respectfully together and follow safety guidelines.  If that goes smoothly, we will expand limited openings to the branches on Tuesday, September 8.” 

 

Some libraries in the region have been open longer.  St. Mary’s County Library opened August 3 and so far, have not had to step back service.  Anne Arundel County Library opened some of their locations in early July but announced last week that because of customer incidents and the resulting health concerns, they had to reduce service to the curbside model Calvert Library has been offering since June.  Anne Arundel expects to move to an appointment-only model for computer use, browsing and librarian assistance beginning September 8.

 

When asked whether she’s concerned that customers will try to come to the library without appropriate masks, Willson said, “The two main services we haven’t been able to offer in some form during this pandemic are gathering space and computer use. While it is still not appropriate to be gathering, I believe that the customers who are desperate to use our computers will be self-policing so we don’t have to close our doors again.  At the same time, our staff stand ready to remind or educate customers about safe practices.  For those that cannot comply, we will continue to serve them outside the building.” 

What about computer access?  Willson responded, “We have received a grant to purchase some Chromebooks that we plan to circulate with data. Of course, laptops are in great demand in the marketplace so we don’t know when we’ll receive them. We will get them into circulation as quickly as possible once they arrive.”

 

Calvert Library does not plan to open their meeting rooms for the foreseeable future as those spaces are currently being used for quarantining returned materials and storing furniture not conducive to healthy use of the library.  Returned library materials are quarantined for up to a week prior to being checked in based on a recently released study concerning the length of time the virus might survive on library material surfaces.

 

Ms. Willson reiterated her request, “Please stay home if you are vulnerable or ill. Our staff can help you over the phone. Calvert Library has always prided itself on being the community’s ‘third place,’” referencing a frequented space that is not work or home, “for connecting to one another and the world.”  Willson continued, “At this time, for our community’s safety, our priority is to provide quick access to library materials, information and training that can’t be accessed via phone, email or video chat.”

 

For more information, call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291.

 

Photo: Plexiglass has been installed on library service desks to improve the safety of customer-staff interactions. Library Assistant Joan Fletcher pulls the Curbside appointments report for the next day at Calvert Library Prince Frederick.

###                                               

 

Related Links

 

 

Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

 

Calvert Library Expands Curbside Pickup Options (press release)

 

Calvert Library Expands Curbside Pickup Options

August 10, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

 

Calvert Library continues to provide curbside pickup of library materials and has recently expanded that service to include a mini-browse experience called Grab Bags.  Customers can make an appointment at bit.ly/calvertcurbside to pick up a grab bag of items that they can browse and decide what to keep and what to drop back in the book return.  They can make a general request for picture books, kids chapter books, adult fiction, kids DVDs or similar and say how many items they would like to look at.  This solution to increase access to library materials came from customer requests made over the phone and via the library’s social media channels to “give me a pile of books.”

 

What if you want a more tailored choice?  Colleen Cano, Adult Resources Coordinator for Calvert Library said, “For customers who like specific reading recommendations from their librarians, we have also launched a PS from Calvert Library service. PS stands for Personalized Suggestions.  You can fill out the form online at bit.ly/psfromcalvert with your reading preferences and a librarian will send you suggestions tailored to your needs that you can then place on hold.  If you want more help, just give us a call.”  Library phones are being answered from 9am to 7pm on Monday-Thursday, 1-5pm on Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturday.

 

Calvert Library is still waiting for necessary supplies to be able to provide in-building customer service safely.  Once those arrive, Executive Director Carrie Willson expects to announce a date for a limited public opening.  The library has established staff and customer guidelines for safety in accordance with federal, state and local recommendations and regulations. 

 

All four library buildings (Prince Frederick, Southern in Solomons, Fairview in Owings and Twin Beaches in Chesapeake Beach) have been rearranged to support social distancing. Some computers have been taken offline, seating and toys have been removed and waiting points have been marked for customers to socially distance.

The main library in Prince Frederick will open first with a limit on the number of customers in the building at one time.  Per Governor Hogan’s order, customers over the age of five will be required to wear face masks covering their nose and mouth and to maintain a social distance of 6’ from others. Customers entering with children are asked to stay together and help their children maintain social distance. In order to maximize the number of customers who can take advantage of library services, customers will be asked to keep their visit to an hour or less. In-person library hours will be Monday-Thursday, noon to 5pm, Friday, 1-5pm and Saturday, 10am to 2pm. Curbside pickup will continue and appointments will be available 10am to 7pm on Monday-Thursday, Friday 1-5pm and Saturday, 10am to 2pm.

 

Calvert Library does not plan to open their meeting rooms for the foreseeable future as those spaces are currently being used for quarantining returned materials and storing furniture not conducive to healthy use of the library.  Returned library materials are quarantined for 96 hours prior to being checked in based on a recently released study concerning the length of time the virus might survive on library material surfaces.

 

When asked if she feels like customers will be safe in the library, Willson replied, “These are challenging times and any sort of human interaction can pose a risk. We take our staff and customer’s safety very seriously and are expecting everyone to cooperate fully with our standards so that we can stay open.”

 

Hand sanitizing stations will be available at each entrance and customers are asked to use them.  Staff are wiping down high-touch surfaces on a defined schedule and as needed.  Ms. Willson requests, “Please stay home if you are vulnerable or ill. Our staff can help you over the phone. Calvert Library has always prided itself on being the community’s ‘third place,’” referencing a frequented space that is not work or home, “for connecting to one another and the world.”  Willson continued, “At this time, for our community’s safety, our priority is to provide quick access to library materials, information and training that can’t be accessed via phone, email or video chat.”

 

For more information, call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291.

###                                               

 

Related Links

 

 

 

Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

Calvert Library Gets Books to Customers via Curbside Service (Press release)

 

Calvert Library Gets Books to Customers via Curbside Service

June 29, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-474-3160

Calvert Library reopened book drops on June 10 and restarted Curbside service on Monday, June 22.  One of the Library’s Facebook posts about the service received such comments as, “Happy you will be providing books again.  Digital is ok, but holding a book…” and “One of the things I missed most in the last few months!” and “I picked mine up at Twin Beaches this morning!  So easy! <3”.

Executive Director Carrie Willson said, “We are so glad to get physical books into customers’ hands again. And movies and audiobooks and games! Our staff has worked hard to get a process in place to do so safely as well as continuing to provide digital materials, phone and email service and quality virtual programming. I’m so proud of their creativity and commitment to meeting the information, connection and entertainment needs of the community.” 

The process described on the library website, seems relatively easy and familiar to those who have ordered from grocery stores and restaurants…

1.     request the books you want either using the online library catalog or calling the library,

2.     get the notification that your items are available for you at the location you requested,

3.     schedule an appointment on the library website or by calling the library,

4.     show up at the right time and either grab your labeled bag of books off the table if you chose Table Pickup or a librarian will put the bag in your trunk if you chose Trunk Delivery.

Are the items safe? Willson says, “We’re quarantining returned materials for 3 days per recommendations based on the most current research. Our staff are following a stringent protocol which includes a health check before entering the building, wearing masks, washing hands frequently and disinfecting common and high-touch surfaces regularly.  We are limiting the number of staff in the building as well. I feel confident but of course, customers are welcome to quarantine their items for another 3 days if they like. The checkout period for most items is 3 weeks and we don’t charge late fees.”

Are people using the service?  Over 230 appointments were made for the first day. Each of those appointments could be for multiple library accounts in one household but according to Willson, “We’re checking out, at best, half of what we would if people were able to come in to browse.  Don’t be shy! Give us a call and we’ll browse for you.”  Calvert librarians are always offering reading recommendations, usually based on an interview of the person requesting advice and right now, most of that is happening on the phone, via email, on social media and even using a new “PS from Calvert Library-Personalized Suggestions” service where a customer can fill out a form on the library website and get recommendations emailed to them. 

When asked when customers will be allowed back in the building, Willson responded, “We don’t have a date yet. We are working on adapting the interior spaces and furniture to allow for social distancing and safe use.  We’re also still waiting on some equipment and supplies to improve customer and staff safety. While our staff have been incredibly responsive and innovative in serving customers online, they are happy to be providing materials with curbside service and will be happier still when we can welcome customers back inside.”

For more information, call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291.

###                                            

 

Related Links

Link to details

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info