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– Cornell Library –

– Cornell Library –

The Cornell Public Library will continue to remain closed to the public, because of the COVID-19 virus, as determined by the state. The state has decided that libraries may, however, provide a curbside CONTACTLESS service for patrons.

The key to this requirement is “contactless.” Libraries see a significant number of people come through the doors every day, and the library staff handles thousands of items every month, as people check things out, and return, items.

It is because of the high amount of contact library staff sees with patrons and items, that libraries were among the first facilities closed at the beginning of the issues with COVID- 19. It would be the perfect environment to transfer the virus.

The library started curbside service April 27. Hours for pre-arranged pick-up, are: Monday and Tuesday, 1-3 p.m.; Wednesday, 3-5 p.m.; Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to noon.

Our patrons can find our library catalog on our website at: cornellpl.org. Click on the green catalog button on the upper right side of the home page. Then click on, “Cornell Public Library” to access the catalog.

You can search by title, author or subject. When a title comes up, you will see a “0 of 1 available,” or a 1 of 1 available.” If “1 of 1 available” comes up, you will know that the item is available. A “0 of 1 available,” means the item is either out or on order. Patrons can request these items and they will be put on the reserve for when the item becomes available.

Patrons can call the library and leave a message about items they would like to reserve or pick up. Our phone number is 715-239-3709. You can also email us at publiclibrary@ cornellpl.org and make requests.

The library staff will get your items together and call you when they are available for pick-up. Since this is a contactless service, we ask you call when you are in the library parking lot on the ramp side of the building or when leaving home.

Library staff will put your items on a cart outside the ramp door. We request you stay in your vehicle until your items are on the cart. If other library patrons are also there to pick up items, remember to keep your social distance. Any returns can go in a box next to the pick-up cart.

Patrons are asked not to come to the door, and knock or ring the doorbell. Library staff will not come to the door. Return items will be set aside and “quarantined” for 72 hours, before they will go back into circulation.

Our library regularly pre-orders new releases, so we do have some new books and DVDs available for checkout. Patrons can also use our WiFi which is accessible outside in front of the building and in the parking lot, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Check out our Facebook page for lots of old photos. Currently, staff is working on identifying businesses that have been on Main Street and Bridge Street in Cornell, over the years. If you have any information about former businesses we would appreciate the sharing of information!

The Inter-Library Loan System for borrowing items from other libraries, won’t be available yet. We have no idea when that will become available again.

We will keep area residents updated as to a possible reopening date.

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