Alan Sweeny, Author at Eckhart Public Library

Library to offer Limited Hours, Services beginning May 26

May 19, 2020May 19, 2020 Alan Sweeny

Programming Specialist Zach Heimach scans books while wearing a mask at the main library. — Programming & Outreach Specialist Zach Heimach processes books behind the circulation desk at Eckhart Public Library’s Main Library. The Main Library and Teen Library buildings will reopen with limited hours and services on May 26.

Eckhart Public Library will offer limited hours at its Main Library and Teen Library buildings beginning on Tuesday, May 26.

The library is working on responsibly phasing in services while following the guidelines of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s Back on Track Indiana plan.

“It feels really good to be able to welcome people back into the library, even though we will have limited services right now,” said Assistant Director Jenny Kobiela-Mondor. “We are trying to be responsible and safe while also offering the community access to the library.”

The Main Library will be open for limited-contact services Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 1-7 p.m. The Teen Library will be open 3:30-7 on Tuesday and Thursday, and noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The first hour each day at the Main Library will be designated for high-risk people, including people older than 65 and immunocompromised individuals. To protect the community and staff, patrons are encouraged to stay home if they are not well.

People are also asked to wear masks when visiting Eckhart Public Library. The library has received donations from several people, including Auburn Alterations, Board Member Kari Ackerman, and staff members and their families, in order to be able to provide cloth face masks to anybody visiting the library. The masks, which members of the public may keep, are washable and reusable. The Centers for Disease Control, Indiana Department of Health, and DeKalb County Health Department recommend cloth face coverings when in public to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Staff will be wearing face masks when working with the public.

“We are thankful to our donors who are making it possible to get more face masks out into the community,” Kobiela-Mondor said. “They are an important way to help keep each other healthy.”

Assistant Director Jenny Kobiela Mondor grabs items from the shelves for our patrons who choose curbside pickups. — Eckhart Public Library Assistant Director Jenny Kobiela-Mondor picks a book off the shelf at the Main Library.

The library will also continue curbside services, with staff taking items to peoples’ cars and performing curbside document services from 9-11 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6 p.m., at the Main Library. People who have items on hold or who would like staff to pull certain items can call 260-925-2414 ext. 120 when they arrive at the library. People interested in learning more about the library’s delivery services can call the library at 260-925-2414 ext. 120.

The library will be set up a little bit differently when it reopens on May 26. People returning library items will be asked to return their items in a cart in the entryway. All returning items are quarantined for three days before being sanitized, checked in, and reshelved. No items will be due until July 1, in order to give extra time to people who still wish to remain at home during this time.

A limited number of computers will be available in the Close Community Room and Activity Room at the Main Library, set up so that computer users can observe social distancing. Computers will be for email, banking, e-government, job searching, education, and other such uses. Gaming will not be allowed at this time. Some seating will also be moved or removed in order to promote social distancing. Library service desks have also been equipped with sneeze guards, and self-checkouts are available on each level. The library also will clean high-touch surfaces often.

People who have specific needs can also call to set up a one-on-one appointment with a library staff member. In partnership with the Indiana Library Federation, Family and Social Services Administration, and Department of Workforce Development, Public Service staff have been trained to assist people in applying for benefits online, including unemployment benefits, SNAP food assistance, and TANF cash assistance. People can call 260-925-2414 ext. 120 to set up an appointment or visit our LibCal page to schedule an appointment.

Eckhart Public Library has continued to offer services to the public while buildings are closed. Eckhart Public Library is one of more than 350 libraries that is offering Wi-Fi access in parking lots and in areas around library buildings. For a map of participating libraries, visit https://www.ilfonline.org/general/custom.asp?page=Wi-Fi-map.

Eckhart Public Library has also offered expanded electronic resources, including expanding monthly checkout limits from digital service Hoopla, as well as offering items through OverDrive, Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy services. The library has also created more than 50 virtual programs that have been shared online and viewed more than 20,000 times; has invested in Niche Academy in order to offer tutorials about library services and databases on its webpage at epl.lib.in.us; and is a source of accurate, timely information about the COVID-19 pandemic. The library is also instrumental in setting up and hosting 19secondsofjoy.com, a website full of community resources related to the pandemic and stay-at-home order.

Eckhart Public Library management, administration, and Board of Trustees is continuing to work with the DeKalb County Health Department and follow guidance from the Indiana State Library, Indiana Library Federation, Indiana Department of Health, American Library Association, and Centers for Disease Control, as library services are phased in.

Curbside Service Continue at Library

May 16, 2020May 12, 2020 Alan Sweeny

Our first curbside patron! — Our very first curbside patron picking up their items!

Eckhart Public Library wants to thank you for your enthusiasm and a very successful first week of curbside services, including pickup, drop off, and document services. We appreciate your kindness and patience as we continue to fine-tune this service to make it even better! Need more information on curbside pickup? Click here to learn more.

As always, Eckhart Public Library’s digital resources like Libby, Overdrive, Hoopla, and Kanopy are available with your library card 24/7. Kanopy is also extending their free viewing of Kanopy Kids programming through May 31, so if you haven’t checked it out, now is a great time! If you have any questions, the Eckhart Public Library is available at epl.lib.in.us, through email at info@epl.lib.in.us, by phone at (260) 925-2414 ext. 120, or through our Facebook page.

Curbside Pickup, Drop off, Document Services at Library

May 9, 2020May 7, 2020 Alan Sweeny

A map of the area around the library titled "Curbside Services"
1.) Return items on 12th Street at Annex Parking Pad. Items will be sanitized and quarantined for three days

2.) Pick up items on 13th street. For document services (like printing or faxing) or assistance, please call 260-925-2414 ext. 120 — A map of library showing where item drop off and curbside pickup will be conducted

Earlier this week, Eckhart Public Library was proud to announce that they would be offering curbside services for item drop off, pickup, and document services. This will allow patrons to access traditional library services in a safe, convenient way. Drop off and pickup will be available from 9-11 a.m. and from 4-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. If you are interested in placing items on hold, or need directions about where to go for these services, please click here for more information.

Curbside Pickup Begins May 11

May 7, 2020May 7, 2020 Alan Sweeny

Eckhart Public Library Assistant Director Jenny Kobiela-Mondor picks a book off the shelf at the Main Library. Eckhart Public Library will begin to offer contactless curbside pickup of holds, returns of materials, and document services beginning on Monday, May 11.

AUBURN – Eckhart Public Library will begin to offer contactless curbside pickup of holds, returns of materials, and document services beginning on Monday, May 11.

The library is working on phasing in services while following the guidelines of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s Back on Track Indiana plan.

“We have all been working so hard to refine processes to ensure the safety of all patrons and staff,” said Public Service Manager Darcy Davidson Armstrong. “We are grateful to be able to offer modified services.”

“The modern library is so much more than a building with books,” said the Indiana Library Federation in a press release. “Indiana’s libraries provide access to librarians and digital resources to keep Hoosiers informed, educated, enriched, and entertained through this unprecedented time. We look forward to phasing in our services safely and according to local needs and guidance.”

Library card holders may search for items through the Catalog link on the library’s homepage, at epl.lib.in.us, and put items on hold. They also may call the library at 260-925-2414, ext. 120, to request items. Those who aren’t sure what they want to read or watch next can even ask for items in a favorite genre, and staff will select several items to check out. The library is also implementing a Readers Advisory form on its website at epl.lib.in.us where patrons can request recommendations from specific staff members who share their reading tastes.

When items are ready, an Eckhart Public Library staff member will call to find out a preferred pickup window. Items can be picked up from 9-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. During the pickup window, items will be in a bag on a cart outside the Main Library, at 603 S. Jackson St., labeled with the first four letters of the cardholder’s last name and the last five digits of their library card number. Items will be checked out and ready to pick up. Some items will not be available to check out at this time, including puppets, items from the Library of Things, and other items that are deemed to be too bulky or difficult to sanitize.

Curbside Services
1.) Return items on 12th Street at Annex Parking Pad. Items will be sanitized and quarantined for three days.

2.)Pick up items on 13th Street. For document services (like printing or faxing) or assistance, please calle (260) 925-2414 ext. 120 — A map specifying areas for curbside drop off and pickup

People who want to return items are able to do so across the street from the Main Library, at the Willennar Administrative Annex at 212 W. 12th St. People are asked to place their items in the provided cart. The items will be quarantined for three days before being wiped down and checked in by staff. Therefore, items will still appear on patron accounts for at least three weekdays before being checked in. No items will be due until July 1, in order to give extra time to people who still wish to remain at home during this time.

The library will also offer contactless, curbside document services at no charge beginning Monday, May 11. People who need items printed can send print jobs to the library through the mobile printing feature on the library’s homepage at epl.lib.in.us or email prints to info@epl.lib.in.us. After items are sent, the patron should call the library at 260-925-2414 ext. 702 to let staff know to look for the print and schedule a pick-up time. When the print is ready, staff will put them on a cart outside the Main Library entrance for pickup.

Those who need to copy or fax can bring items to the cart outside the Main Library and call the library at 260-925-2414 ext. 702. After stepping at least six feet away from the cart, a staff member will retrieve the items, copy or fax them, and leave the documents on the cart.

Eckhart Public Library staff members are observing proper sanitation and cleanliness standards while working with patron items. In addition, all items being returned or sent from other libraries are being quarantined for three days, as recommended by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the CDC. Transmission from paper is considered to be a low risk by the CDC.

Eckhart Public Library has also offered expanded electronic resources, including expanding monthly checkout limits from digital service Hoopla, as well as offering items through OverDrive, Libby, and Kanopy services. The library has also created more than 50 virtual programs that have been shared online and viewed more than 20,000 times, as well as being a source of accurate, timely information about the COVID-19 pandemic. The library is also instrumental in setting up and hosting 19secondsofjoy.com, a website full of community resources related to the pandemic and stay-at-home order.

Library Still Participation in Virtual Community Events

May 2, 2020April 28, 2020 Alan Sweeny

Even though the library is closed, Eckhart Public Library is still excited to participate in virtual community events with our fellow Auburn businesses and organizations! First Fridays took place virtually yesterday, May 1, and this month’s theme was “Auburn in Bloom”. We’ll share two videos on our Facebook page, where Darcy, our Public Service Manager, will be talking about growing potatoes and tomatoes. We enjoyed being able to participate, and we hope you’ll join in on the fun!

Learn a New Language with Rosetta Stone

April 25, 2020April 21, 2020 Alan Sweeny

Did you know that Indiana’s online resource, INSPIRE, offers lessons on Rosetta Stone? You can use this library resource for free to learn Spanish, French, German, and nearly 30 other languages! Click here to create your free account and get started.

Community Resources and 19 Seconds of Joy

April 18, 2020April 14, 2020 Alan Sweeny

Are you looking for local information on food, mental health, community resources, government, and more? You can find more on epl.lib.in.us/community/ where local businesses, organizations, and more are joining together to provide a hub of information for what you’re looking for.

This webpage also promotes the idea of 19 Seconds of Joy – spending time, even if it’s just a moment each day, doing something that makes you happy! We hope you keep that idea every day to Spread Joy, Not Germs!

‘The Secret of Kells’ Full of Beauty, Magic

April 16, 2020April 14, 2020 Alan Sweeny

Review by Jenny Kobiela-Mondor, Assistant Director

Animation styles can sometimes make or break a movie.

In “The Secret of Kells,” the gorgeous, stylized animation is one of the things that transforms a simple story into a magical masterpiece.

The Academy Award-nominated “The Secret of Kells,” available now on Kanopy with your library card, follows the story of Brendan (voiced by Evan McGuire), who lives in an abbey with his uncle, Abbot Cellach (Brendan Gleeson), and the other monks. Brendan and his uncle are at odds, with Brendan more interested in working with a new monk, Brother Aidan (Mick Lally), on an illuminated manuscript than helping to build a wall against Viking invaders. Along the way, Brendan gets help from Aidan’s cat, Pangur Ban, and a fairy named Aisling (Christen Mooney).

“The Secret of Kells” is based on the legends surrounding the famed Book of Kells, and the animators do a masterful job of using art inspired by the Book of Kells and Celtic art. The result is a striking, stylized animation style that had my eyes glued to the screen for the entire movie. “The Secret of Kells” is one of the movies that proves that animation is a true art form. It works so well, in part, because the story fits the animation style so well.

Director Tomm Moore was inspired, in part, by the films of Hayao Miyazaki, who creates beautiful animated movies in a Japanese style and steeped in Japanese mythology. Moore took the art and mythology of his home in Ireland to make “The Secret of Kells,” and his passion for his home is apparent in the details of this gorgeous little film.

The story, though relatively simple, is well-written, and both exciting and scary in turn. The story of “The Secret of Kells” feels much like a classic fairy tale movie, complete with magic and monsters. There are some intense parts, particularly some of the strange magic in the Aisling’s forest and when the highly stylized, monstrous Vikings appear, that might be scary for some younger viewers, but the wonderful story makes a little bit of fear worth it – particularly because the story ends on a positive note.

“The Secret of Kells” is a real treat. The film didn’t get a lot of mainstream attention in the U.S. when it came out, even though it was nominated for Best Animated Feature (it lost to Disney/Pixar’s “Up”). However, it’s well worth checking out now.

Staff Suggestions Video Series

April 11, 2020April 6, 2020 Alan Sweeny

Are you looking for a new book, movie, or podcast while you’re staying at home? Take a moment to visit Eckhart Public Library’s Facebook page and check out our “Staff Suggestions” video series! These videos come directly from various staff at the library who are suggesting some of their favorite items, and will tell you where you can find them digitally! Click here to check out the growing series!

Do you need help getting a library card, logging in to a digital service, or another question? We’re still available to help! Feel free to message us on Facebook or reach us through email at info@epl.lib.in.us

Digital Programming on Facebook

April 4, 2020April 1, 2020 Alan Sweeny

Still image from our Facebook page featuring some of our virtual programming

While Eckhart Public Library is closed, we are committed to bring you fun programming right at home! Find us on Facebook to check out our growing virtual programming for all ages, including: Babies & Books Activities, Family Storytime, Learning STEAM, Kids in the Kitchen, and more! Click here to see all the digital programming we have to offer!

Our digital collections on Libby/Overdrive, Hoopla, and Kanopy are available to you 24/7 – all you need is your library card and your 4-digit PIN number to get started on any of these great apps! If you are having trouble getting logged in or need additional assistance, please email info@epl.lib.in.us