Changes in service delivery take effect Monday, October 4, 2021
Medford, Oregon (October 4, 2021)—Jackson County Library Services (JCLS) welcomes patrons back inside all 15 branches for limited in-person services beginning Monday, October 4, 2021. Meeting and study rooms will be available for reservation beginning Friday, October 15.
“We all want to return to normal, even if it is a new normal. Your libraries want that too, and we will welcome you back in our libraries as long as it continues to be safe to do so,” said Library Director Kari May. “We hope that the downward trend of new cases and hospitalizations continues, and that vaccination rates continue to increase, so that we can keep our library doors open for everyone.”
The number of patrons allowed in each branch may be limited to ensure social distancing safety standards can be met. Renovations of the second floor of the Medford Library are complete, which means the upstairs of the library will be open to correspond with the changes to service on October 4. New study spaces have been added upstairs, and the public computers will be moved from the Large Meeting Room to the second floor in a dedicated computer lab.
Patrons are asked to pick up their own holds and use the self-service stations to borrow materials. Patrons age five and older are required to wear a mask that fully covers nose and mouth when using all library services in accordance with Oregon’s statewide mask mandate. Patrons who remove their mask while in the library will not be permitted to remain in the library. Patrons who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons may request accommodation for picking up materials outside in a socially distanced manner that protects staff and the community.
Computers will remain available during open hours and are first-come, first-served. Patrons are allotted 60 total minutes of computer use per day. Wireless printing is available at all branches. Patrons who utilize computers or in-person services must follow all safety protocols, including wearing a mask. Additionally, Digital Services Specialists will resume their regular appointment schedules at all branches.
Although in-person browsing is available, patrons are still encouraged to request book advice and personalized recommendations through JCLS Discovery. A JCLS staff member will curate a customized list of up to 15 books for patrons within three days, and titles can be placed on hold directly from the list of recommendations. Patrons may also browse the online catalog and staff booklists and subscribe to the Library Connect blog to find recommendations. In-person advice is also available at each branch.
JCLS continues to provide diverse programming, including some outdoor in-person programs (masks required) and a wide variety of online programs: storytime, book discussions, lectures, and more. The library’s popular Take & Make kits also offer a way for patrons to bring programs—like art, craft, STEM, or other projects—home with them. Visit jcls.libcal.com to register for upcoming programs, or the JCLS Beyond YouTube channel to view past presentations.
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/
Digital Services: digitalservices@jcls.org
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
Social Services: jcls.org/services/social-services/ | 541-774-6749
#StayHome resources: jcls.org/local/stayhome-resources/