Mission Statement
The Ingalls Memorial Library provides the Rindge community with access to information and the sources of information in order to promote and stimulate knowledge, wisdom, culture, enjoyment and continuous self education
Browsing by Appointment starts on June 1
Updated May 30
As the Governor modifies Stay at Home 2.0, the library is ready to move to Phase 3 or our Phased Reopening Plan: Browsing by Appointment.
This is the next logical step toward opening the library to the public.
How does Phase 3 work?
As the Governor modifies Stay at Home 2.0, the library is ready to move to Phase 3 or our Phased Reopening Plan: Browsing by Appointment.
This is the next logical step toward opening the library to the public.
How does Phase 3 work?
- Appointments will be necessary to enter the building.
- Please call 899-3303, email donna@ingallslibrary.com, or request an appointment below.
- If you or any member of your household is not feeling well, please do not enter the building.
- Appointments will be made in 15-minute blocks. If you feel like 15 minutes will not be sufficient, you are able to use 2 blocks, for a total of 30 minutes in the library.
- Appointments are for browsing and borrowing materials, using the photocopier or using the fax machine only. During Phase 3, we ask that you do not stay inside the library to read magazines or newspapers.
- Appointments will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 to 4:45 and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 7:45. Browsing by Appointment will not be offered on Saturdays at this time.
- At this time, we are not able to offer computer access. Prior to the shut-down, we were scheduled to have new patron access computers installed. The installation was canceled, and we are in the process of setting up a new installation. Once that has happened, we will reevaluate access to computer.
- We will be limiting patron access to 2 groups, or a maximum of 8 patrons, per appointment. This is to ensure there are no more than 10 people per floor of the library.
- There will be no programs or group meetings allowed during Phase 3.
- There will not be toys available in the Children's Room.
- Please do not sit and read. Instead, check out your materials and take them with you.
- We will continue to monitor information provided by local, state and federal authorities, and will move on to Phase 4, or back to Phase 2, if the situation in our community warrants.
- Please know that the library is committed to doing its part to safeguard our community, and have instituted the following:
- In keeping with Stay at Home 2.0, staff will be screened prior to reporting to work.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be located inside both the side entrance and front door. Staff and patrons are asked to sanitize their hands both when entering and exiting the building.
- While masks are not required, they are highly recommended, both for the protection of our patrons and our staff. Masks will be available for anyone who would like one.
- Staff will wear masks or face shields,
- Bathrooms will not be open to the public. Please plan accordingly when arriving for your appointment.
- Sneeze guards have been installed at both circulation desks.
- We ask that all in the building practice social distancing.
- Please see other safety measures below.
We will continue to offer contact-free Curbside Delivery, if you would prefer not to enter the building at this time.
Here's how Curbside Delivery works:
Here's how Curbside Delivery works:
- Curbside delivery will be available from on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 to 4:45, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 to 7:45, and Saturdays from 9:00 to 11:45.
- You can place an "order" for materials by placing a hold in our catalog, https://ingalls.bywatersolutions.com, by emailing info@ingallslibrary.com, or by calling us at 899-3303.
- If you aren't sure how to search the catalog for items, or to place holds on what you would like, view our how-to videos at https://www.ingallslibrary.com/video-tutorials.html.
- If you aren't sure of what you would like to borrow, staff will happily pick some things out for you. Please be prepared to give staff a little direction -- -i.e., "I'd like something similar to David Baldacci" ,"I'd like the next book in the Louise Penny series I'm reading", or "I'd like a few picture books about puppies." If you'd like staff to select your items, please allow at least 1/2 hour for the selections to be made.
- You will be given a 15-minute window to arrive at the library to pick up your materials. We will work with you to accommodate your schedule so that you can consolidate your errands. Call us at 899-3303 to schedule your time, and to let us know which door you would prefer to pick your items up from.
- We will have your items on the cart outside your preferred door at the start of your 15-minute window, all checked out and ready to go. If you determine that you aren't going to be able to make it during that time, please let us know so we can retrieve your items and reschedule pick-up. If your materials are still on the cart when your appointment lapses, they will be brought back into the library, but held for you. Please call to reschedule.
- When it is raining, we will provide plastic bags to protect our materials. Otherwise, please supply your own bag if you require one.
- If you are returning items when you are picking up your items, you may leave them on the cart, or drop them into the book drops.
Staff, Patron and Material Safety during the COVID-19 Emergency.
We have all been at home for a while now, and we realize how difficult it may seem to venture back out for some. We understand. We will work with you to make sure that a trip to the library does not cause undue anxiety.
Your safety, and the safety of the staff, are very important to us. In addition to contact-less curbside service, where you can pick up your library materials without interaction, these are the measures we are taking:
These measures are new to us -- but we are happy to follow them so that we can all stay healthy --- and that means you, too!
There is still research being down to determine how long the virus remains viable on surfaces. We recommend washing your hands prior to and after using library materials, and to avoid touching your face while using them.
We are taking every precaution to ensure that our materials are safe to use.
Donna is maintaining communication with the town's Emergency Response Team to stay informed of the current local situation, and will keep staff informed.
Your safety, and the safety of the staff, are very important to us. In addition to contact-less curbside service, where you can pick up your library materials without interaction, these are the measures we are taking:
- All returned materials are being sprayed, wiped down and quarantined for a minimum of 7 days. If an item is returned on Monday, it will not be circulated or shelved until the following Monday.
- Staff will not enter the building if they are not feeling well.
- Staff will self-quarantine if they have had contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19
- Staff will monitor their temperature - having established a baseline - and will remain at home if they have a fever, or exhibit any other symptoms of COVID-19. They will contact their primary care physician or seek testing through one of the public testing options.
- Staff will be required to wear masks when moving throughout the library. Masks will be available for staff who do not have one.
- Gloves will be available if staff want to wear them, but will not be required.
- Staff will be encouraged to maintain proper hand hygiene at all times.
- Staff will maintain social distancing at all times when in the library. Each staff member will have an assigned work space for their shift - complete with a phone, computer, and office supplies that are for their use only.
- Each staff member will disinfect their work space at the start of their day - so that they are comfortable that it has been done.
- The Director will disinfect common areas at the start of each shift: the copier, fax machine, door knobs, elevator buttons, book drop, and railings, break room and bathroom fixtures.
- Staff using these shared items during the course of their shift will disinfect them after use.
These measures are new to us -- but we are happy to follow them so that we can all stay healthy --- and that means you, too!
There is still research being down to determine how long the virus remains viable on surfaces. We recommend washing your hands prior to and after using library materials, and to avoid touching your face while using them.
We are taking every precaution to ensure that our materials are safe to use.
Donna is maintaining communication with the town's Emergency Response Team to stay informed of the current local situation, and will keep staff informed.
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