Happy August! I don't know about you, but to me this summer is flying by. I just want to update you regarding some frequently asked questions and enhancements to our services that I will list in detail below. As always, please email me with any questions or concerns at karendemers@wilbrahamlibrary.org.
Karen Demers, Library Director
When will the library be open to the public?
The Town is carefully monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 situation and has been working hard to make sure that staff work spaces are reconfigured for appropriate distancing and protective sneeze guards are installed. At this point, Town Hall is preparing for early voting, so we are not looking at re-opening the library until mid-September at the earliest. There is no date set at this time.
How is curbside pickup going?
We have been very busy with curbside pickup. When we started in June, we were scheduling appointments every 15 minutes and accommodating 30 people per day. At that time, we could usually schedule within a few days. Our volume doubled in July, though, and our wait time for appointments is closer to one week. This week, we are beginning to schedule every 10 minutes, therefore accommodating 46 people per day. We hope that will help ease the wait time for appointments. We will continue to monitor our volume and wait times and appreciate your patience.
I work and can't make it to the library during your current M-F 9am-5pm schedule. What can I do?
We have expanded our outreach service during this time to be able to deliver to Wilbraham households who may not be able to make it during our curbside schedule. In these cases, we will deliver your materials to your home, as long as your have an outdoor location that is protected by the elements where we can drop off your bag - like a porch or covered stoop.
I try calling the library and have trouble getting through. What's up with that?
We currently have two lines under our main phone system (596-6141). When items on hold are checked in, we call the patron to arrange a curbside appointment. Half the time, we end up leaving a message that requires the patron to return our call. Additionally, every curbside appointment calls us upon arrival. So, it is often the case that both lines are being used. Monday and Tuesday mornings are especially busy. We are hoping to provide a little relief to this system in a few ways. Eventually, our hold notifications will resume - so patrons will be notified automatically via email or text that their item is available. We are working on implementing an online registration system for curbside pickup. So when a patron receives notification, he or she may register for a curbside slot online instead of calling us. This is still in development, so look for more news on it in the next few weeks. We also have purchased a cell phone for the library. In the future, we will post that number as a dedicated line for curbside pickup - thus free up our main line for other inquiries. Again, more information will be posted when we implement that change.
What is the best way to place items on hold?
Using the C/WMARS app (developed by Kenneth Cox) from the iTunes app store or Google Play on your smartphone is the easiest way to place a hold. If you are using a laptop or desktop computer, you may place holds through the C/W MARS catalog through our website - www.wilbrahamlibrary.org. If you are not comfortable using the catalog, you may email us at reference@wilbrahamlibrary.org. We check that account multiple times a day. Additionally, you may call us at 596-6141. It is helpful for us if you have your library card ready when you make the call.
I participated in the Summer Reading Program. How will I get my prizes?
We will be scheduling specific days and times in which people may pick up their prizes. There will be special parking spaces reserved for prize pick up. Library staff will call or email prize winners later in the month with more details. Some prizes may also be mailed out to the winners.
I miss coming to the library to browse the new materials and other sections. How do I know what is new? Can I get some reading recommendations?
We have a section on our website that scrolls through our new books and media on the bottom of the screen. You may also go to wowbrary.org and sign up for weekly emails that lists our latest acquisitions. It links to the catalog listing so it is easy to place a hold directly from that email. We are also happy to provide you with some personalized reading recommendations. Under the Library Services tab on our website, click on Your Next Great Read and complete the form. Our staff will put together a list of books that you may enjoy.
Wilbraham Public Library
25 Crane Park Drive
Wilbraham, Massachusetts 01095
413.596.6141
http://www.wilbrahamlibrary.org