Downingtown Library expanding library services, Monday 8/3!

UPDATE! Starting Monday Aug. 3, patrons will be able to enter the Library building for pick up of holds, and limited browsing and computer/copier usage. We ask that you keep your visit as brief as possible: maximum of 15 minutes for browsing/copier usage, and 30 minutes for computer usage. If the maximum number of patrons are already inside the library, you may be asked to wait outside until someone leaves before you can enter. Similarly, you may be asked to leave if patrons are waiting to enter and your maximum time has passed. These services will be available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10AM-12PM, and Tuesday 1PM-3PM. “Library To Go” contactless holds pickup will continue- you can make your appointment by visiting: https://bit.ly/manageholds. (More info about how this service works: http://downingtownlibrary.org/using-the-library/contactless-holds-pickup/) All item returns will continue to be accepted only in the outdoor book drop.

**Very important: properly wearing masks over both your nose and mouth for the duration of your visit to the library are required for all patrons. The Library will have disposable masks on hand if you do not have one. Additionally, please do not visit the library if you are sick!**

Please note for the following services:

Computer services: Limited computers are available, for a maximum of 30 minutes, 1 session per patron, per day. Due to the limited number of computers available, no extensions of time will be allowed. The copier and scanner are also available. Due to both social distancing requirements and staffing levels, staff cannot offer technology assistance at this time. Please bring along someone to help you if you need it.

All services: please visit the library alone, or with as few family members/friends as possible. No food is allowed inside. The majority of the library building remains closed, including: restrooms, children’s area, stacks, Krapf Program Room, and Hessinger Study Room. A selection of both adult and children’s materials have been moved to the “main” area for browsing and check out. You can access other items in the collection in the “closed” area by placing a hold using your online account (https://catalog.ccls.org/patroninfo) or asking a staff member to retrieve a specific title for you. We apologize that we aren’t able to offer in-depth reader’s advisory to help you find materials if you’re not sure what you want at this time, due to limited staffing and hours. To find a new book to read, please check out the following resources:

NoveList: use your CCLS library card to find reading recommendations including reviews, lists, articles, and more. Use NoveList to find read-alikes in both fiction and non-fiction for readers of all ages. NoveList also has series information, award winners, best-of lists, top ten lists, and much more! (https://www.ccls.org/196/Databases-by-Name#N)

BookBrowse: Here you can find handpicked read-alike recommendations for more than 4000 contemporary books and 3000 authors. (https://www.bookbrowse.com/read-alikes/)

Goodreads Readalikes: book lists: https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/read-alikes

Or search “author” + readalike or “book title” + readalike to find ideas for new titles to read.

Thank you all for your patience as we move through reopening stages as safely as possible with the staffing and resources we have available, in this ever-evolving landscape!

Please check this website and the library Facebook page regularly for updates about the Downingtown Library reopening stages. Please feel free to reach out to us through Facebook message or email at ehess@ccls.org with any questions or comments. Thank you!

 Please know that we are doing everything we can to help ensure the safety and well-being of our staff and patrons.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, please check the following public health agencies, sources of reliable, up-to-date information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/

Pennsylvania Department of Health: https://www.health.pa.gov/

Chester County Health Department: https://www.chesco.org/224/Health

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/