Library

Connect with your library even though buildings are closed - see message below from Sno-Isle Libraries

Dear Sno-Isle Libraries customer,

Our vision is that everyone in our community is connected to their library. During this required stay at home, we are writing to you to highlight ways you can connect with staff and library services even when library buildings are closed due to the ongoing public-health crisis.

Let’s connect

  • Our librarians are available through our online Q&A service, Ask Us, Tell Us. If you want help with your library account, what services or resources are available or other questions, just send it to us. You can also leave us comments, suggestions or let us know what online library resources you are using and finding helpful.
  • Join the social-media community conversations through FacebookInstagramTwitter and LinkedIn as well as the social-media accounts for each community library.
  • Help us better serve you by taking this short survey.

Available now

Even though the library buildings are closed until further notice, there are plenty of digital materials, services and resources available online 24/7.

Here are a few:

  • eBooks that you can download to a phone, tablet or computer. We’ve even increased the checkout limit to 30 items (Overdrive). Can’t decide? We’ve got suggestions.
  •  eAudiobooks are also downloadable. If you’ve never given them a listen, now could be a great time to try something new.
  • We have streaming video options for adults, resources for teens as well as options that the little ones can enjoy, too.
  • Learning something new might be an option if you are finding yourself with unexpected down time. From Mango Languages, Lynda.com and the Great Courses to a treasure trove of how-to ebooks, it’s all on our Leisure Learning page.

And there’s more! Some of our most popular online services are now even more accessible:

  • Ancestry has opened their Ancestry Library Edition to you and your library card, wherever you and your connected digital device may be.
  • ALLDATA is another service usually available only in our buildings. It is a great resource when it comes to repairing your car. Just go to this link, click on “I am a member” and use “snoisletemp” as the both the login and password.
  • The Bonus Borrows Collection from Hoopla is adding 118 comics, TV and Movie titles that won’t count against your checkout limit.

Q&A 

What should you do with physical books and other materials you have now?
Hold on to them. Our buildings and our book drops are closed. Please do not return items at this time. Remember, Sno-Isle Libraries does not have overdue-materials fines.

Why did you close the libraries?
Closing the libraries aligns with Gov. Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order. We are continuing to closely monitor and follow the mandates and recommendations of county, state and federal officials.

When will the library buildings reopen?
A date to reopen has not been set. Library officials are closely monitoring developments in this rapidly evolving and unprecedented public-health crisis. We want to reopen just as soon as possible, but not at the expense of the health of our customers, employees and communities.

Will additional cleaning of the libraries be done after they reopen?
We are maintaining all buildings so they will be ready to reopen when that time comes. We have deep cleaned and disinfected all community libraries and continue to clean and disinfect the buildings.

What about cleaning library materials?
Our regular practice is to clean soiled materials and remove from the collection materials that can’t be cleaned. We are now reviewing additional measures that may be needed when physical materials begin to circulate again.

What’s next

These are uncertain days. We are developing additional services that can be safely provided given current realities and we’ll let you know when they are available.

 What you can be certain of is that Sno-Isle Libraries is doing everything it can to keep you and our employees healthy, while continuing to serve you and your community.

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