Ask The Answer Person: Your questions involving Decorah Public Library

Posted: Tue, Apr 21, 2020 9:54 AM

Following Liz Rog's Letter to the Editor about the Decorah Public Library, we received several reader e-mails. Here are the questions, with answers by Decorah Library Director Kristin Torrsesdal:

"Is the library's wifi still accessible to those parked in the lot beneath the library?"

Kristin says: "Yes it is (and in fact it's available around the entire periphery of the building, including on Main St. and Winnebago St.). There are signs posted on the doors indicating which network and password to use (Network: Dec_Library_public PW: metronet). City Hall is also offering wireless access around the periphery of their building."

"Since the library isn't open, is there someone who is emptying the drop off containers?"

Kristin says: "For the safety of staff, library book drops are currently closed. We know that the virus can live on surfaces such as book covers for as long as several days. We have extended all due dates so that patrons can keep materials and return them when the library reopens (there will be no late fees on any materials)."

"Are children's programs still available online?"

Kristin says: "Yes they are. Children's and Young Adult Librarian Rachael Button is creating original programming and we are also sharing programming and other opportunities from our local Park Rec department, plus libraries, museums, and other organizations across the U.S. Online content is available on the new "Stay Curious: Learn, Create, Engage from Home" section of our website (www.decorah.lib.ia.us) and on our FB page. We're currently offering at least 4 DPL programs for children and families per week, as well as creating weekly online contests (prizes include gift certificates to Dragonfly Books and other local businesses)."

"Have you considered doing curbside book pickups, like some other libraries have done during the coronavirus outbreak?"

Kristin says: "Yes, we have researched options and given this a lot of thought over the past 6 weeks. In light of the Iowa Department of Public Health's recommendation to limit all travel to once-per-week essential errands only (i.e. food and medicine), we are not offering curbside at this time. Especially as we see covid cases beginning to spike in our state, we feel that the most important function we can serve is to support the social distancing measures that our Public Health officials are asking of all of us. Instead of offering curbside, we have put significant resources into expanding our e-book, digital audiobook, and online film streaming platforms, which are free to all Decorah and Winneshiek County residents. We have also created an online signup form for library cards and are offering troubleshooting assistance for those who need help getting access to our resources."