Rock Island Public Library Open With Limited Access
The Rock Island Public Library has introduced limited building access and hours at both its Downtown and Southwest Library locations. This phase of the library’s gradual reopening coordinates with Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan.
Buildings will be open to the public at both locations from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Saturdays are reserved for curbside pickup only, which is from 9:00 am to noon.
Face coverings and social distancing must be maintained while inside library buildings. Library books, magazines, and audiovisual collections will be available for “grab and go” browsing. A limited number of public computers will be available by prior appointment only. To reserve one-hour of computer time, patrons may call 309-732-7341. Computer users will need to bring their library card.
To ensure social distancing, patrons are requested to use self-check machines, and to place items in the return bins inside or in outside book returns. Reshelf carts will also be provided to separate materials that aren’t being checked out. The library will quarantine items for three days before checking them back in.
Contactless curbside pickup continues at both the Downtown and Southwest locations. For assistance with placing materials on hold in the online catalog, or with finding reading and watching options, patrons may call 309-732-7341, email RiLIbRef@rigov.org, or use the Ask-A-Librarian chat option at www.rockislandlibrary.org.
Desk staff will be available behind a Plexiglas barrier to assist with library card applications, renewals, payments, and account questions. Programs will continue to be provided on a virtual or take-home kit basis only. Community room use, study spaces, extended visits, and certain types of materials not available as part of this phase.
“We encourage patrons to self-screen, wear masks, keep appropriate distance, and stay home if they feel ill or have had contact with an ill person,” said Angela Campbell, Rock Island Public Library director. “It’s our goal to keep staff and patrons safe, and we are taking the safety precautions outlined by the Illinois Department of Public Health. However, there’s no guarantee against transmission in a public space. We encourage patrons to continue to use curbside pickup if they have concerns or medical issues that may make them more vulnerable to the virus.”
Additional details and a list of available services are under the Find it Fast library website menu, at the Curbside/COVID 19 link.
Also, on July 6, the Rock Island Mobile “Library2Go” outreach vehicle also starts a new stay-in-your car process for Curbside hold and material pickup and mobile WIFI access. Library2Go returns to its alternating red week/blue week route, with some minor route alterations. To download the new route schedule, please visit the “Download It” menu at www.rockislandlibrary.org
Rock Island Public Library summer reading challenges and programs will be provided virtually this summer. For details, see the Rock Island Library calendar or 2020 Summer Reading links at the library website.
