JCLS Returns to Front Door Service - Jackson County Library District

Changes in service delivery take effect Monday, August 30, 2021

Medford, Oregon (August 26, 2021)—Jackson County Library Services (JCLS) will return to front door service at all 15 branches beginning Monday, August 30, 2021. The change in service delivery is made in response to the surge of COVID-19 cases in Jackson County and the strain on local hospitals.

“The number of positive cases in Jackson County has reached the highest level since the beginning of this pandemic,” said Library Director Kari May. “We are changing our service delivery model to keep our staff and patrons safe and to help mitigate the opportunities for this virus to continue to spread. We recognize that libraries play a critical role in our community and encourage our patrons to call or visit the library online to request the materials they need.”

Patrons may pick up held items during open hours and must bring a library card or photo ID to collect items. Patrons must wear a mask when collecting holds.

While in-person browsing is unavailable, patrons are encouraged to browse the online catalog and curated staff booklists, subscribe to the Library Connect blog, and use JCLS Discovery to request personalized book recommendations.

The library provides diverse virtual programming and maintains a broad collection of recorded programs on the JCLS Beyond YouTube channel. The popular Library of Things and Take & Make kits will remain available during front door service. The library’s extensive digital collection is available for remote access and includes audiobooks, eBooks, digital magazines, streaming movies, and music downloads. Reference and tech support staff will be available by phone, email, or virtual appointment.

DART, the library’s mobile tech van, will be scheduled around the County beginning Monday, September 13, to provide access to Wi-fi, laptops, and library resources. In-branch computer services will not be available until further notice.

Social services assistance will be available by phone or email to patrons seeking support or referral to resources that address mental health challenges, food or housing insecurity, and more. Outreach to Child Care will continue to deliver book bags to participating child care sites throughout Jackson County and At Home Services will continue to deliver materials to patrons who cannot come to the library due to age, illness, or disability.

Storytime @ Home kits are available to borrow from the library collection and include a set of themed books, songs and rhymes, a toy or game to reinforce concepts and develop motor skills, activities that expand on early literacy and learning, and a coloring sheet with crayons. Bags are available in English, Spanish, or bilingual.

JCLS also has an online collection of #StayHome resources, including information about COVID-19 testing, funeral assistance, trusted resources on COVID-19 vaccines, and library FAQs.

Learn more about library resources at jcls.org, or visit the direct link to resources below.

JCLS Resources

At Home Services: jcls.org/services/at-home-services/

Branch Hours and Locations: jcls.org/hours-locations/

Circulation: circulation@jcls.org

Computer sessions and mobile printing: jcls.org/services/computers-wifi/

DART Mobile Tech Van: jcls.org/services/dart/

Events Calendar: jcls.libcal.com/

JCLS Beyond YouTube Channel: youtube.com/c/JCLSBeyond

JCLS Discovery: jcls.libwizard.com/f/jcls_discovery

Outreach to Child Care: jcls.org/services/outreach-to-childcare/

Reference: information@jcls.org