Rock Island Public Library Opens for Limited Grab-and-Go Building Access, Starting Monday, July 6

The Rock Island Public Library will introduce limited building access and hours starting Monday, July 6 at both its Downtown and Southwest Library locations. This phase of the library’s gradual reopening coordinates with Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan.

Buildings will be open to the public at both locations from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Saturdays are reserved for curbside pickup only, which is from 9:00 am to noon. There will be no public access to either building on Saturdays.

Face coverings and social distancing must be maintained while inside library buildings. Library books, magazines, and audiovisual collections will be available for “grab and go” browsing. A limited number of public computers will be available by prior appointment only. To reserve one-hour of computer time, patrons may call 309-732-7341. Computer users will need to bring their library card.

During this phase of the reopening plan, the library requests that patrons: 

• Use self-check machines to ensure social distancing, 
• Place items in return bins provided inside or in outside book drops
• Return unwanted library materials to reshelf carts to keep them separate
• Self-screen and follow recommended health practices, including staying home if ill or if exposed to an ill person
• Continue to use curbside pickup as a safe means of quickly picking up materials on hold 

The library will continue to quarantine returned items for three days before checking them back in. 

Library desk staff will be available behind a Plexiglas barrier to assist with library card applications, renewals, payments, and account questions. Programs will continue to be provided on a virtual or take-home kit basis only. Community room use, study spaces, extended visits, and certain types of materials are not available as part of this phase.

"It’s our goal to keep staff and patrons safe, and we are taking the safety precautions outlined by the Illinois Department of Public Health. However, there’s no guarantee against transmission in a public space. We encourage patrons to continue to use curbside pickup if they have concerns or medical issues that may make them more vulnerable to the virus," said Angela Campbell, Rock Island Library director. 

Additional details and a list of available services are under the Find it Fast library website menu, at the Curbside/COVID 19 link.

For assistance with placing materials on hold in the online catalog, or with finding reading and watching options, patrons may call 309-732-7341, email the library, or use the Ask-A-Librarian chat option at the library website. 

Also, on July 6, the Rock Island Mobile “Library2Go” outreach vehicle also starts a new stay-in-your-car process for Curbside hold and material pickup and mobile WIFI access. Library2Go returns to its alternating red week/blue week route, with some minor route alterations. There will be no public access onboard the Mobile Library. Patrons can choose from a menu of Story Bundles 2Go, and Mobile Library staff will bring the materials to the car. To download the new route schedule, please visit the “Download It” menu at the library website. 

Rock Island Public Library summer reading challenges and programs will be provided virtually this summer. For details, see the Rock Island Library calendar or 2020 Summer Reading links at the library website.

Library Locations: Rock Island Downtown Library: 401 19th Street; Rock Island Southwest Library, 9010 Ridgewood Road.