PH:641-682-7563 ext 202
Dear Library Patrons:
On Monday Governor Kim Reynolds announced that Iowa would begin
lifting COVID 19 related restrictions on certain businesses and
organizations as of Friday, May 1 in 77 counties, of which Wapello
County is one. This list of groups included public libraries.
The Ottumwa Public Library Director began discussions immediately
between the Library Board of Trustees, local emergency management and
public health officials, city leadership, and library staff on what
this change would look like for the library. Our priority is to
begin the reopening process with the health and safety of our patrons
and staff being the paramount goal.
As such, the Ottumwa Public Library Board of Trustees voted tonight
to implement Phase 1 of a three phase approach at the Library. This
includes:
- Library staff returning to the library on Monday, May 4 to resume work in the library.
- Drive up service starting later next week for the community. Details are forthcoming.
- Reference calls being taken during normal operational hours over the phone, email and Facebook messenger.
The library continues to have a number of digital services available.
You can enjoy downloading magazines, e-books, audio books, music or
children’s Tumble Books from our website with your library card.
These are all free services and are available 24/7.
For authoritative and current information about COVID-19, we
encourage you to contact the Wapello
County Public Health website, the Iowa
Department of Public Health, and the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Ottumwa Public Library understands that many community members
feel stressed and worried about the threat of COVID-19, and we will
do what it takes to remove any library stresses from that list. If
you have materials due and don’t feel you can get them back in time
simply call us and we will work with you. All materials currently
checked out have had their due date extended to May 15.
We will continue to keep you updated through our website and Facebook
page.
Thank you,
Sonja Ferrell