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All AADL Locations Closed as of 6 PM Friday

by aadl-news

The AADL will close today, Friday March 13, 2020, at 6:00 PM for an indefinite period. This closure is our effort to join in reducing the spread of Covid-19 in our community.

Details about your library account and services follow in this message. We are all sorry about closing the Library, but it is more important for us all to be safe and healthy during this difficult time.

HOLDS

Don't worry about your items on your hold shelf. Anything that's on the hold shelves when we close will still be there when we reopen.

DUE DATES

Don't worry about your items you have out. Update: all due dates have been moved to July 1st —including MeLCat!. Please don't return any items you have to the drop box until we reopen.

REQUESTS

You'll still be able to place requests during the closure, but no items will be pulled to fill requests during the closure.

TEXT AND EMAIL

We'll continue to be available to you via text at 734-327-4200 and email at ask@aadl.org or using our contactus form throughout the closure. We do plan to provide some phone service but we don't yet know the hours that the service will be available, so stay tuned for that.

WHAT TO DO DURING THIS CLOSURE

AADL is committed to keeping you entertained and informed throughout this difficult time. For now, you can get started just by searching our catalog for things you can download; just choose "Downloads" from the search drop down to find things you can watch, listen to, or read right away. We have lots more ideas of things to keep you busy, so stay tuned to aadl.org and aadl on twitter, instagram, and facebook to see what we're up to.

WHAT ABOUT SWEETWATERS AT WESTGATE?

Sweetwaters is a tenant of AADL, and the Westgate Sweetwaters Location will be closed along with Westgate Branch.

WHAT ABOUT THE STAFF?

Thank you for worrying about us, but don't worry about us! All AADL staff are being paid throughout this closure, and many of us will be working for you every day.

 

 

 

Comments

I agree BUT for the fact that I'm an old person and am not a user of social media. Thus, I'm now lost without books or DVDs. Other places in the State and the country have found ways for patrons of libraries to order online and pick up curbside. I await the results of the Board meeting later this month.

I agree BUT for the fact that I'm an old person and am not a user of social media. Thus, I'm now lost without books or DVDs. Other places in the State and the country have found ways for patrons of libraries to order online and pick up curbside. I await the results of the Board meeting later this month.

Submitted by KathyD on Fri, 03/13/2020 - 9:41am

Brilliant suggestion from Sarai Koster-M! Lots of summer game players home from school who could help create online badges...

Submitted by WonderCat on Fri, 03/13/2020 - 9:58am

We will miss going to the library. My family loves going to the library. That being said, I applaud your efforts to keep the community safe. I am really glad to hear the staff will continue to be paid. They deserve it

Submitted by ruthott on Fri, 03/13/2020 - 10:24am

Thanks for your work keeping the community safe. Do you have any info to share about late fees on books out?

No items will be due until at least April 30, so there won't be any fees accruing. This includes items that are currently overdue as well as ILL and MeLCat items. We're working on making that change this morning and it won't be complete until late saturday, so stay tuned!

Submitted by ahalerz on Fri, 03/13/2020 - 11:15am

I was hoping to get a few things from the library soon. Will we still be able to check out items this afternoon before you close at 6pm?

Submitted by teri on Fri, 03/13/2020 - 12:13pm

What's that old saying?
"Absence makes the heart grow fonder".
We'll miss you for awhile - AADL!

Might you be re-opening on May 29th? Does AADL have a re-opening plan, when (and if) libraries will be permitted to re-open? Will patrons be able to browse the shelves and touch books and videos and art, like in the old days?

No, we will not be reopening on May 29th. If the stay at home and other orders affecting libraries are lifted then and some staff can return to work, we will still need some time to be ready to resume physical library service. We are working on alternate service models and hope to have more details available towards the end of May. Thanks for your patience!

Thanks for your patience! We are still closed by state order until June 12th. After that we will get staff back in the building and get ready to start filling requests again. We'll have more details next week about how it will work. Thanks again for your patience, and thanks for using your library!

Submitted by G Barr on Fri, 03/13/2020 - 5:10pm

I appreciate you all for staying open as long as you have - such a great community resource. I hope all staff and their families are and remain healthy. Thanks!

Submitted by MollyWiding on Fri, 03/13/2020 - 7:56pm

My library card is going to expire on the 23rd. I’m still a resident but won’t be able to go in to show ID and renew my card until you reopen. Is that okay?

Submitted by jhd on Fri, 03/13/2020 - 8:40pm

I will miss AADL more than many other things, and I'm pleased staff will be paid. Very difficult to manage infection precautions in a library, and so far more prudent to close.

Submitted by ruthgretz on Fri, 03/13/2020 - 8:57pm

I get that you want to help contain the spread of the virus, but how sad for people to be deprived of books while they’re self-quarantining! too bad we can’t use drones as flying bookmobiles.

Submitted by sbaccouc on Sat, 03/14/2020 - 8:06am

I did not panic about food, groceries, toilet paper, hand sanitizer....but I panicked about the library closing...

Submitted by sumisood on Sat, 03/14/2020 - 10:33am

while I applaud the efforts to keep the community safe by not allowing people to gather in the library spaces I am not sure i understand the rationale behind not allowing online requests and individual pickups. I would ask that you re-evaluate your process--could books and movies still be requested online and people schedule appts to come and pick them up to allow social distancing?

Thanks for your comment. We're not currently able to offer this service, but it is something we may consider as the closure wears on. Stay tuned to aadl.org for updates, and in the meantime, check out our downloads collection!

Are you finally going to consider options like the libraries in other towns are doing now that the library service we are paying for with our taxes has been closed for 6 weeks and appears to be going to be closed even longer??

Submitted by gelpdj on Sat, 03/14/2020 - 2:47pm

Oops, sorry, I just hit "renew all" as I wanted to know what items had holds on them. Now all my stuff is due on April 11 ! Help!

Submitted by jmann on Sat, 03/14/2020 - 8:14pm

Plague novels & disease nonfiction?🤔
80% of my leisure reading is typically fiction, but I loved Rabid!

Submitted by rkuhlman on Sat, 03/14/2020 - 9:17pm

How is the Library going to decide when it is safe to re-open the library to the Public? What if the Chinese Coronavirus lingers on in area for many months? Will the Library stay closed then too?

Hi, I just wanted to mention that it’s important for everyone to be careful with the words we use to describe the coronavirus (though I absolutely assume there was no ill will here). To me, that means avoiding any terms that could unintentionally cast a “projection of hatred” toward any particular community. Just calling it “the coronavirus” without other qualifiers is sufficient. Thank you!

Submitted by tsarist on Mon, 03/16/2020 - 11:19am

I'm glad all the staff is getting paid throughout this nasty business. I hope everyone stays safe & healthy. Hopefully, the library will reopen soon, as not everyone has significant internet access.

Gov Whitmer has ordered all libraries closed. The American Library Association directs libraries to look to the Centers for Disease Control and local health departments. This is not just Ann Arbor.

Submitted by emakhnin on Mon, 03/16/2020 - 3:09pm

I am leaving the Ann Arbor area later this week, and I won't be back until September. What should I do with the books I have out?

Submitted by pwiener on Tue, 03/17/2020 - 12:56pm

Dexter PL has curbside pickup. Get the idea?

Curbside Pickup
Hold requests for curbside pick-up require advance notice. Available pick-up times will be during open hours. If you would like our assistance placing holds on items, please use the form below or call the Library at 734-426-4477 – otherwise you are free to place holds as you normally do using our catalog: https://catalog.tln.lib.mi.us/?section=home&config=dext. Please note that due to the ongoing Coronavirus situation, many of the TLN member libraries have decided to close indefinitely. If you’re placing your own holds via the online catalog, to ensure that the items you are requesting will be filled, we suggest that you temporarily limit your searches to only items that Dexter District Library possesses – see the attachment “dexter specific holds” at the bottom of this page for how to do that.

Patrons utilizing curbside pick-up MUST call to confirm that they are in the library parking lot when they arrive for pick-up, or, if this is not possible, should call us when they are leaving their home to indicate what time they will arrive.

Upon arrival at the Library, patrons are required to remain in their vehicle while staff deposits materials at the drop station. Staff will not approach vehicles. Hold items will be in a bag on the table, and once staff have confirmed patron details for identification, patrons may remove the bag from the table. Items for return will not be accepted at the curbside pick-up table. Patrons must place return items directly in the outside return bin.

Submitted by skalantr on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 4:45pm

Hm- one of the reasons AADL closed was to protect their staff and the public. Wouldn't staff members and people picking books up be more at risk of catching the coronavirus?

It looks like there are some key differences between curbside pick-up and the library being open.

To quote the staff response:

1. “Upon arrival at the Library, patrons are required to remain in their vehicle while staff deposits materials at the drop station.”

—-This differs from patrons coming into the library where surfaces would inevitably be touched and germs more easily spread.

2. “Staff will not approach vehicles. Hold items will be in a bag on the table, and once staff have confirmed patron details for identification, patrons may remove the bag from the table.”

—-This differs from regular library operations insofar as there is no contact between the staff and patrons during any part of the transaction.

3” Items for return will not be accepted at the curbside pick-up table. Patrons must place return items directly in the outside return bin..”

Again, no interaction between staff and patrons. Additionally, the staff is likely wearing gloves and santaizing the books as they receive them from the Dropbox.

It looks like there are some key differences between curbside pick-up and the library being open.

To quote the staff response:

1. “Upon arrival at the Library, patrons are required to remain in their vehicle while staff deposits materials at the drop station.”

—-This differs from patrons coming into the library where surfaces would inevitably be touched and germs more easily spread.

2. “Staff will not approach vehicles. Hold items will be in a bag on the table, and once staff have confirmed patron details for identification, patrons may remove the bag from the table.”

—-This differs from regular library operations insofar as there is no contact between the staff and patrons during any part of the transaction.

3” Items for return will not be accepted at the curbside pick-up table. Patrons must place return items directly in the outside return bin..”

Again, no interaction between staff and patrons. Additionally, the staff is likely wearing gloves and santaizing the books as they receive them from the Dropbox.

Unless materials are sanitized, how would this still not spread germs? As the Director of the Saline Library explains, “Unlike food service and other businesses offering this option, library materials are not meant to be consumed and discarded. Rather they are meant to be returned and then shared again with others. Circulating materials among community members is not advised at this time.”
https://www.salinelibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/4-6-20-SDL-upd…

Submitted by mulkaa on Thu, 03/26/2020 - 3:55pm

To be clear—“staff” referencing that of the curbside rules quoted from dexter library. Not AADL.

Submitted by ruthcbarkan on Fri, 03/27/2020 - 12:02am

Love you all - stay warm, healthy , and safe during this freaky time and always! You are SOOOO appreiciated!!!

Submitted by Shaylane Webb on Fri, 04/10/2020 - 8:16pm

Will You Reopen In May Or June Or July Or August Or September Or October Or November Or December Or Next Year 2021

Hi there, thanks for asking! It depends on the Governor's orders, so we can't set a reopening date yet. But we want to reopen as soon as it's reasonable to do so, and we'll update the website as soon as we know when we'll be able to reopen. Thanks for your patience, and thanks for using your library!

Submitted by rgz on Fri, 04/17/2020 - 11:37am

Patience, neighbors. The Saline library director understands the nature and seriousness of our shared Risk and is acting wisely and responsibly on behalf of his staff and community. I'm a heavy user of the AADL: dependent one might say. I was "stuck" with 14 book, video, and cd withdrawals when the library closed on that Friday the 13th, and my requests list is now enormous. We miss the library very much; but as rewarding and valuable as our library entertainment resources are to us, they are not essential, certainly not urgently so. The library continues to build its collection and our bounty will be even greater when it re-opens, Personally, I won't be there on opening day or week. Stay safe, patient, and poised to pounce.

Submitted by rkuhlman on Sun, 04/19/2020 - 8:52pm

What if Governor Whitmer issues another arbitrary decree that mandatory lockdowns are to continue at least another two months. Then does AADL still comply with that order? By the end of April the library will have been closed six weeks. That is unreasonable especially since it seems to be politically motivated to protect Gretchen Whitmer from the political over-reactions she has made.

Even if AADL management would be comfortable with exposing staff and patrons to this disease by rejecting public health guidance, I doubt that breaking the law is among the things they have planned for the month.

As Vice President Pence said, “But for all of these important steps, there is no substitute for the action of the American people.” (https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/03/18/coronavirus-mike-penc…)

As the Coronavirus Task Force headed by VP Pence advises, “Stay home as much as possible.” (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/preventi…)

The Task Force also tells us “Listen to and follow the directions of your STATE AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES” because “Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus.”
(https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03.16.20_coronavi…)

Submitted by lmangus on Mon, 04/20/2020 - 3:24pm

Kids are wondering: is there a plan to extend the checkout time beyond the 30th (whether the order is extended or not)? They were discussing what could happen if everyone returned their items on the 30th, sort-of as a jest at first, but it got us thinking...and then concerned.

Submitted by rgz on Tue, 04/21/2020 - 1:49pm

Kanopy.com participation/access would be/have been a great option for AADL cardholders, a way to access unavailable library resources during this time. Most neighboring districts, including Dexter, Saline, Canton, Lyon Twp, and Plymouth are members, but Ann Arbor is not. Is there a good reason we are not, and are there prospects for a change, (even after this closure)? Thank you.

Thanks for asking. Kanopy is a pay-per-view service. We can't speak to how other organizations make their purchasing decisions, but AADL does not subscribe to pay-per-view services. If they offered a flat annual rate to Public Libraries, we would be very interested, but they only offer that model to Academic Libraries.

Submitted by robertfreedman on Fri, 05/08/2020 - 8:34am

I think you should be able to open the library safely if you limit occupancy and number of books. You could leave books in the outside lockboxes.
Bob Freedman

Thanks, Bob. We are currently closed until at least May 28th by state order. Once we're able to get staff back in the building, it will take some time before we start filling holds again, but we're working on plans like the ones you describe now. Thanks for your patience, and stay tuned!

Some of us patrons who use the library predominately to pick up hold requests were just talking about a curbside / outdoor / lockbox type of option as Bob suggested. A great idea!! Especially for seniors. Looking forward to the day the library opens. Between the state order and Traverwood closure you’ve been truly missed.

Hi there, yes, we continue to evaluate subscription products for potential purchasing, and we are continuing to work with local creators to license their content, and we anticipate an increase in our contribution to the OverDrive shared catalog of ebooks. What type of resources were you interested in?

Submitted by josie on Thu, 05/21/2020 - 1:17pm

AADL's opening is dependent on the Governor's Executive Orders, and we will be posting more information about our plans by the end of the month.
Take good care.
Josie

Submitted by drewnoble on Fri, 05/22/2020 - 1:59pm

We miss you! I just had a baby and we can't wait to take advantage of story time when you're back in effect!

Submitted by josie on Sat, 05/23/2020 - 4:08pm

Congratulations! We are thrilled that you are excited to bring your new baby to story time. We know that it will be awhile before we will offer in person programming, but we will eventually, and will look forward to seeing you and your baby at the Library.

Submitted by terrieha on Tue, 05/26/2020 - 9:36am

If you could allow returns on one specific day, and then let the books (etc) sit for a week, any germs on them would die. The books could then safely be reshelved. Only books that had been thus quarantined would be put back on the shelves for recirculation. Returns could be allowed at different branches on different dates, so the shelving could be staggered. Return slots could be blocked on the "no-return days". With no patrons in the libraries, workers could be well spaced out, sorting the quarantined returns.
Customers could request books, and phone from outside when they come to pick up "holds". Everyone approaching the library could wear masks.

Thanks for your suggestions! While the emerging information available continues to ascribe low risk to surfaces, we do still plan to quarantine returns before staff will handle them. However asking returns to only happen on particular days is not practical, and blocked returned slots only result in items being left on the sidewalk.
Rest assured we are working on processes to address these issues and will have more information soon. We are still closed by state order until at least June 12th, and after staff are able to get back into the buildings, we will begin the work of resuming physical checkout service. Thanks for your patience!

Submitted by Jessica Liang on Tue, 05/26/2020 - 4:26pm

Since the stay-at-home-order has been extended to June 12th, is the due date for all checked out books still May 31st?

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