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Visit our digital library!
Tucked away on the third floor of the library is the Ingalls Memorial Library herbarium - consisting of samples of Rindge flora that were gathered by Mary Lee Ware and Rindge teens in the 1890s! These beautifully preserved specimens are now almost 130 years old. They are fragile, so the library does not feel that handling them excessively is prudent. And we want to preserve them for future generations to enjoy. SO....we are pleased to announce that we have started the process of digitizing the collection, which will allow us to make it available to Rindge residents and the world! Do you want a sneak peak of the collection? Visit https://ingallsflora.omeka.net/. There are almost 200 specimens, so this project will be ongoing. Check back often to see the progress. |
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Ingalls Memorial Library is to provide access to information to all members of the community in order to improve their lives intellectually, socially, culturally and vocationally.
Effective Friday, November 20, 2020
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The Library is open to the public.
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Updated Thursday, November 19, 2020
In keeping with our Phased Reopening Plan and guidance from Governor Sununu, we are pleased to announce that we are now open to the public, under Phase 4 of our Reopening Plan.
Phase 4 of our plan means that the library will be open to the public with extra precautions.
This is the next logical step toward completely opening the library to the public.
What does this mean?
- The doors will remain unlocked during normal hours of operation, and the public will have access to the building without appointments.
- Staff will wear face coverings over their noses and mouths at all times when patrons are present, and and in public or shared staff areas when coworkers are present.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer will be available for staff and patrons at both entrances/exits and at checkout locations.
- In keeping with Governor Sununu's statewide mask mandate, Patrons are required to wear face coverings while in the building. Face coverings will be available at both entrances for those patrons who need one.
- Staff will be questioned about symptoms of or exposure to COVID-19 prior to each shift, and will not be allowed to work if symptoms are present, or if they have had close contact with a confirmed case of the virus.
- Patrons are requested to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other patrons who are not part of your family/group.
- Returned materials will be quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours before becoming available for check-out.
- We have implemented enhanced cleaning measures. In keeping with the Governor's orders, frequently touched services will be cleaned at least every 2 hours, and circulation desks will be cleaned between each patron.
- Sneeze guards have been installed at both circulation desks, for the protection of our patrons and staff.
- Public access computers are available in 1/2 hour blocks of time. Reservations will be accepted, but are not required. There are two new Windows 10 All-in-Ones and 2 new Chromebooks, all with printing capabilities.
- Our photocopier and fax machine are available.
- At this time, we do not expect to offer any in-person programming at least through the end of October....and quite possibly through the end of the year.
- Bathrooms will not be available to the public, except for hand washing and emergencies.
- The Keurig will not be in service at this time.
- Contact-free curbside delivery will continue to be available.
- Please note that building occupancy is limited to 50% of capacity. While we do not expect this limitation to cause issues for our patrons, there may be instances when you will be asked to wait a few minutes to enter the building. Please be patient with us if this happens.
- For the time being, we will allow neighbors, friends or family members to check out items for patrons who are not comfortable visiting, or who are unable to come to the library on their own. Just give us a call to let us know who'd you like to authorize to use your card.
- IF YOU OR ANY MEMBER OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD IS NOT FEELING WELL, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM VISITING THE LIBRARY, AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR ELECTRONIC RESOURCES UNTIL ALL IS WELL.
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.
Current research about the viability of the virus on library materials supports our 72+ hour quarantine procedure --- and we are continuing to wipe down all materials when they come out of quarantine - prior to shelving them. While we are taking every precaution to ensure that our materials are safe to use, we recommend washing your hands prior to and after using library materials, and to avoid touching your face without washing them.
Donna is maintaining communication with the town's Emergency Response Team to stay informed of the current local situation, and will keep staff informed.
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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