Library Update
Updates as of 05/27/20:
Partial Reopening
The Kaukauna Public Library will move into the next phase of pandemic service, a partial reopening of the facility. Beginning Wednesday, May 27th, the library will be open by appointment only during normal business hours. They will allow ten individuals in the building at a time.
Please visit the Library website for further details and an FAQ on services during the phased reopening.
Updates as of 04/27/20:
Curbside pick-up runs Monday through Thursday 9a-8p and Friday 9a-4p. Patrons can register for open slots on the library website by clicking on the calendar.
The only items available for curbside pickup at this time are items currently listed as available at the Kaukauna Public Library on InfoSoup.org. The transit delivery system between libraries is not running and will not bring items back and forth between libraries.
If you have holds that are already in, you may request to pick those up.
You may request up to 20 items for one library card per curbside slot.
At the time of your scheduled pick up appointment:
- Pull up to the marked area and park. DO NOT exit your vehicle.
- Library staff will step outside the Library delivery doors and set your items on the sidewalk.
- Once Library staff have closed the delivery door, you may exit your vehicle and pick up your materials.
Please be aware that Library staff will not be available for in person questions and will have no contact with you during the exchange. If you have a question, you need to call the Library.
If you exit your vehicle before Library staff place items on the sidewalk, they will not exit the Library.
You can register for slots by visiting the library calendar or calling the library at 766-6340 ext. 2.
Updates as of 3/17/20:
The Library will be closed to the public effective 3/17/20. Patrons can still call the Library for information (times still to be determined) and digital resources are available online. The Library System has begun adjusting due dates on materials extending them and the Kaukauna Public Library is a fine free facility, so if materials were checked out in Kaukauna they will not accrue fines. The book drop will remain open for the duration of the closure, but staff will not be handling materials until they have sat for a period of three days. The Library will do their best to continue to serve patrons, however they will need a few days to come up with some safe alternatives for library service. Updates will be posted to the website and social media sites.
Cancellations:
We are cancelling all Library programs, all meeting room bookings, and are reducing the use of study rooms to individual use until the end of May. At that time, we will assess the situation and make a decision regarding April. All other services will continue, however we will continue to monitor how fast the virus is spreading and may have to take further action to reduce the spread of the virus.
More information from KPL:
Dear Patrons,
The safety of our patrons and employees is a priority to Kaukauna Public Library (KPL) and City of Kaukauna. We are working to stay on top of this evolving COVID-19 situation by following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Our current plan is to: 1) prioritize the safety and health of our staff and patrons; 2) continue serving your library needs for the time being; 3) plan ahead for changing circumstances.
What can you do?
Follow CDC Instructions: Wash your hands. Cough into your elbow. Stay home if you are sick.
According to the most recent information from the CDC, for most people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low. We encourage any concerned patrons, especially those in high-risk populations, to stay home if they are feeling ill or are simply concerned about potential exposure.
Please keep in mind, as a public space, the Library cannot guarantee a germ-free environment or germ-free physical materials. You need to consider if using library materials, or visiting the Library or other public spaces, is best for you and your family. As a reminder, the Library has many digital services available to you for free; check out our collections at www.InfoSoup.org and select Digital Resources.
What is Kaukauna Public Library doing?
Library Cleaning: We want you to feel confident visiting KPL. We contract with an outside cleaning company which spends 3-5 hours cleaning the Library each night. Library staff will make every effort to clean keyboards and high-touch surfaces throughout the day. Child play areas are sanitized with a surface spray disinfectant at the end of each day and toys have been pulled from the floor. Please be aware however that our large play mat cannot be sanitized daily as it is a soft surface and we do not currently have the resources for the task of daily cleaning. Due to mass purchasing, our supply of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes is VERY minimal. Our online orders have all been canceled and products are out of stock online and in store. In a few days we will run out of hand sanitizer and wipes. We encourage you to bring your own to the Library in case you visit on the day we run out.
Library Materials Cleaning: Collection materials are not disinfected when they are checked-in, or as browsed, or while used in-house due to limited resources and supplies. Patrons should be aware that the virus can last on surfaces for several hours up to several days. Please feel free to wipe down the outsides of books and cases that you plan to check out. However, please practice this cautiously. We do bill for water damage to our items and some disinfectant wipes are can be very wet. Exercise caution and be sure to squeeze them prior to wiping down materials made with paper.
Staff and Patron Hygiene: While supplies last, which we expect to only be a few days, we are making hand sanitizer and wipes available to staff and patrons, plus we are encouraging frequent hand-washing by everyone.
Library Services: We are cancelling all Library programs, all meeting room bookings, and are reducing the use of study rooms to individual use until the end of March. At that time, we will assess the situation and make a decision regarding April. All other services will continue, however we will continue to monitor how fast the virus is spreading and may have to take further action to reduce the spread of the virus.
Next Steps: We are monitoring this developing situation closely, staying up-to-date on information from federal agencies, health organizations, and other experts.
We will continue to communicate any further impacts to KPL on our website, the City website, and our social media platforms. Thank you for working with us to keep KPL a healthy environment.
Ashley Thiem-Menning
Library Director
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
Wisconsin Department of Health Services: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/covid-19.htm