We’re Starting to Re-open

Our re-opening plan includes a phased approach to returning to normal library service.  As we have learned over the past few months, anything can change at any time.  Our re-opening plans may change as well.

The Library Board of Trustees has opted for a measured and careful approach to re-opening that focuses on the safety of our staff and our patrons.

The Indian Lake Library is still closed to the public.  Our staff are working in the building to prepare for re-opening.  Tasks we are working on include cleaning the building, processing returns, processing new materials, fulfilling curbside pickup orders for patrons, taking care of administrative tasks, securing adequate cleaning materials and PPE’s, and working out the logistics of reorganizing the building in light of social distancing protocols.  All areas of the library building need some form of modification to conform with social distancing guidelines in order for our patrons to enter.

Additionally, there are extensive health and safety guidelines that must be followed for the protection of staff and patrons.  Staff have undergone training on new safety guidelines and our new contactless check out procedures.  Again, all of these efforts have been done to keep our community safe.  Crucial to our re-opening is our ability to maintain supplies of PPE’s and cleaning supplies.

The library is accepting returns now.  Due to construction to our building, please use the old book drop box located on the south side of our building, opposite the senior meal site.  Please do not bring us donations at this time!  We cannot manage donations now. When the Friends of the Library are once again ready to accept donations, we will let the community know.

Returned materials are quarantined for 96 hours before being checked in.  Please do not worry if you still see borrowed materials on your account for a few days after you returned them.  The Southern Adirondack Library System placed 96-hour quarantine requirement on all of its member libraries. 

The Library’s front entrance is undergoing a remodel that was planned long before the pandemic began.  Eventually the lobby entrance will be more accessible to those with mobility issues and it will be an attractive place for library and community notices.  The new book return is currently not in use because it is behind construction lines.

Contactless Curbside Pickup service began June 18th.  There are parking spaces reserved in front of the library for pickups, which must be scheduled by appoint over the phone. 

The hours to order materials are as follows:   MWF 12 – 6, TTh 10 – 4, Sat. 10-1

The hours for pickups are as follows:  MWF 2 – 6, TTh 11 – 4, Sat. 11-1 (Pickup appointments must be made, please don’t just show up as it takes time to assemble patrons orders)

For more about contactless curbside pickups, click here: https://indianlake.sals.edu/contactless-curbside-service/

The kid’s summer reading program “Imagine Your Story” is taking place virtually this year.  It began June 24th and runs for 8 weeks, on Wednesdays at 7 pm.  We will explore fairy tales, fantasy, mythology, and adventure over the next weeks.  It’s not too late to register, click here to join the fun: https://indianlake.sals.edu/imagineyourstory/

As we move toward opening more services at the library, we will post them on our website and Facebook page. Feel free to call us (518)648-5444, or direct questions to ind-director@sals.edu

We look forward to seeing everyone again and getting back to as close to “normal” as we can manage.

Our “normal” may need to be re-imagined in order to serve our patrons in a safe manner, as well keep our staff healthy.

With support, patience, and common sense we can get through this challenge as a community, and emerge a stronger resource serving the people in our small piece of the Adirondacks.