Main Library Reopens May 26 with Limited Hours, Services

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 was excited to announce earlier this week that our Main Library and Teen Library will be reopen to the public on Tuesday, May 26, with limited hours and services. Social distancing rules will be enforced and some services will be unavailable for the safety of our community. During this time, we’ll also continue to offer our curbside services. For more detailed information, click here.

Eckhart Public Library logo

If you need assistance with digital services, setting up home delivery, curbside services, and more, please reach out to us – we’re happy to help! Give us a call at (260) 925-2414 ext. 120 or email us at info@epl.lib.in.us

Library to offer Limited Hours, Services beginning May 26

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

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.

Eckhart Public Library Logo

As always, Eckhart Public Library’s digital resources like LibbyOverdriveHoopla, 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

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.

Eckhart Public Library Logo

As always, Eckhart Public Library’s digital resources like LibbyOverdriveHoopla, 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.

Learn a New Language with Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone logo

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.

Eckhart Public Library logo

As always, Eckhart Public Library’s digital resources like LibbyOverdriveHoopla, 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, or through our Facebook page.

Staff Suggestions Video Series

Screenshot of Staff Suggestions video series on Facebook

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!

Library Logo

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

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

Library Still Available Through Social Media, Digitally

Eckhart Public Library Logo

Even though Eckhart Public Library is closed to the public, that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to put your library card to use! Eckhart Public Library offers digital eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, movies, and more through apps like Libby, Overdrive, Hoopla, and Kanopy. Eckhart Public Library will also be offering fun interactive posts, live videos, and more through our Facebook page.

Have any questions about how to access digital resources or having trouble logging in? We can still be reached by phone at (260) 925-2414 ext. 120 or by email at info@epl.lib.in.us.