From staff reports
The five Clarion County libraries located in Clarion, Rimersburg, Knox, New Bethlehem and Foxburg are continuing to serve the area residents by taking safety precautions according to the COVID-19 state mandates while opening their buildings to the public.
Ian Snyder is the administrator for Clarion County Library System.
These steps continue to include providing staff access to PPE, hourly breaks for hand washing, and quarantining all materials for three days between check outs.
Unfortunately, many of the programs and outreach services have been put on hold, but CCLS libraries are excited to continue to provide service in other ways.
All of the CCLS libraries are still offering public computers with internet access, wireless internet connection, and copy, print, and fax services.
While each library has their own service area, all CCLS libraries will freely serve any Clarion County resident. Ebooks, audiobooks, and many other electronic databases are available to residents who have a library card.
InterLibrary Loan services will be starting in September. ILL services will be limited to one book per person and a two-week checkout. Please contact your library for more information.
Masks are still required when visiting any Clarion County Library until further notice.
This year, due to COVID-19, all programming is being offered virtually or as take-home activities. All in-person programs have been cancelled until further notice. Libraries will re-evaluate to determine when in-person programs will begin again.
Clarion Free Library
Clarion Free Library offers curbside and walk-in services. It is not open to patrons regarding browsing the collection. In-library services are provided by appointment.
The library is circulating books, audio books, movies and magazines (selection may be limited.) You can search for materials on their website at clarionfreelibrary.org.
To schedule a time to pick up requested materials call the library during their operating hours between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at (814) 226-7172.
The library’s pick-up times and days are the same as their operating hours listed above. Anyone in a high risk group can advise the library and they will coordinate a special pick up time.
Contact the library for more information and to schedule an appointment.
The Clarion library also has book bundles of picture books. Patrons may call the library and reserve a bundle of three or four books about bears, colors, dinosaurs, dogs, farms, fire fighters, etc. Call the library to participate in this event.
Additionally, the library offers passport services. Call the library for an appointment.
The Clarion Free Library is located at 644 Main Street in Clarion.
Ian Snyder is the director for the Clarion Free Library.
The Clarion Free Library’s phone number is (814) 226-7172 and their web address is www.clarionfreelibrary.org.
Eccles-Lesher Memorial Library
The Eccles-Lesher Memorial Library is located at 673 Main Street in Rimersburg. Lobby pick up service is available and the library building is open to patrons. Their hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. They are closed Wednesdays, Sundays and holidays. They are planning on keeping these hours through the end of the year.
Computers are available for patron use and computer access will be limited to one session per day. Please contact the library for more information.
Rachel Campbell is the director, Sherri Campbell is the interlibrary loan librarian, Linda Bowser is the circulation desk clerk and Kelly Minich is the programming and outreach coordinator.
The library phone number is (814) 473-3800 and the website is http://www.youseemore.com/elml.
Knox Public Library
The Knox Public library is offering curbside services and the library building is open to patrons. Their hours of operation is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and is located at 305 North Main Street in Knox. They are planning on keeping these hours through to the end of the year. They are closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Computers are available for patron use but access will be limited to one 30-minute session per day. Please contact the library for more information.
Brenda Beikert is the director, Erin Lloyd is the children’s librarian, and Roxanne Miller is the assistant director.
The library’s phone number is (814) 797-1054 and their new website is www.knoxpubliclibrary.org.
Redbank Valley Public Library
The Redbank Valley Public Library offers curbside service. The library building will be open to patrons with the following hours: from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays. The library is located at 720 Broad Street in New Bethlehem.
Computers are available to patrons but access will be limited to one session per day. Please contact the library for more information.
The library also offers passport services but please check with the library on availability.
Staff members include Jaylene Smith, director; Amy Toth, Vicki Hoffman, and Debbie Troupe.
The Redbank Valley Public Library’s phone number is (814) 275-2870 and their website is www.youseemore.com/newbethlehem.
Foxburg Public Library
The Foxburg Free Library offers lobby pick-up services and appointments are recommended for in-library services. They opened the library building to patrons on July 20 with limited hours. Their hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays and Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; noon to 4 p.m., Saturdays and closed on Sundays.
They are located at 31 Main Street in Foxburg.
Computers are available for patrons but access will be limited to one session per day. Please contact the library for more information.
LaTrobe Barnitz is the director for the library. Their phone number is (724) 659-3431 and their website is www.youseemore.com/foxburg.
For the latest information, visit each library’s Facebook page, website, or by contacting the library.