COVID-19 Closure Information

COVID-19 Closure

As recommended by the Wisconsin Library Association, and in the interest of the health of our patrons and staff, the Ripon Public Library has made the difficult decision to CLOSE to the public effective Wednesday, March 18th. We anticipate reopening Monday, April 6th, if the current situation allows.

Library events and meeting room reservations are CANCELED.

Reference services are still available Monday - Thursday (9 A.M. - 8 P.M.), and Fridays (9 A.M. - 5 P.M.).  You may contact the library by phone, by email: reference@riponlibrary.org or through our Facebook page.

Free Wi-Fi is available outside the building, with the strongest signals in the parking spaces along the building on Jefferson St.

Due dates for any items currently checked out have automatically been extended beyond our anticipated reopening date, and will continue to be extended as necessary. Please do not return library material while the library remains closed.

FREE Tumblebook for kids and teens - READING, AUDIO, and MATH LIBRARIES

DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK, TUMBLEBOOKS IS GRACIOUSLY MAKING THE FOLLOWING DATABASES AVAILABLE FOR FREE!

TumbleBooks’ databases are easy to use, and feature unlimited access from home! You can read as many books as you want, when you want, and on any device. There are no check-outs, holds, or bulky downloads. Books are available instantly. Access will continue until August 31, 2020.

Happy Tumbling!

www.TumbleBookLibrary.com - K-6 children's ebook database
Username: tumble735
Password: books

www.TumbleMath.com - K-6 math ebook database
Username: tumble2020
Password: A3b5c6

www.TeenBookCloud.com - gr 7-12 ebook database
Username: tumble2020
Password: A3b5c6

www.AudioBookCloud.com - all ages audio book database
Username: tumble2020
Password: A3b5c6

ROMANCE NOVELS VIA TUMBEBOOK

DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK, TUMBLEBOOKS IS GRACIOUSLY MAKING THE FOLLOWING DATABASE AVAILABLE FOR FREE!

TumbleBooks’ databases are easy to use, and feature unlimited access from home! You can read as many books as you want, when you want, and on any device. There are no check-outs, holds, or bulky downloads. Books are available instantly. Access will continue until August 31, 2020.

Happy Tumbling!

www.RomanceBookCloud.com - a huge collection of steamy Romance novels for the older crowd!
Username: tumble2020
Password: A3b5c6

COVID-19 Update

Library holds are suspended:

You may still place holds, but we will be unable to fill those holds until the Winnefox System resumes its delivery service. If you received a notice that your hold is available, you may come in to pick it up.

Extended due dates:

To encourage the public to stay at home and to self-quarantine, we will extend all due dates. No items will be due until April 6, or later if necessary.

By taking strong and swift action – by ceasing the flow of library materials that may carry and transmit this illness – we believe we may play a part in slowing the spread of Covid-19 through our communities.

We will send out more information as we have it and we will respond to any questions you may have regarding these measures.

Staff will continue to communicate any further impacts to RPL via the library’s website at https://www.riponlibrary.org/ and the library’s Facebook page.

Library Responds to COVID-19, Suspends Programming

The health and safety of our patrons and employees is a priority to Ripon Public Library (RPL). Staff is working to stay on top of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and WI Department of Health Services.

The current plan is to:
1) Prioritize the safety and health of the staff and patrons.
2) Continue serving library needs as the situation allows.
3) Plan ahead for changing circumstances.

WHAT CAN THE PUBLIC DO?

Stay home if you are sick. Wash your hands. Cough into your elbow.

We are asking any patrons who are feeling sick to stay home.
For the safety of the staff and patrons, individuals who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, shortness of breath) may be asked to leave the library. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND: as a public space, the Library cannot guarantee a germ-free environment or germ-free physical materials. You need to consider if using library materials, or visiting the library or other public spaces, is best for you and your family. As a reminder, the Library has many digital services available to you for free on its website, https://www.riponlibrary.org/.

WHAT IS RIPON PUBLIC LIBRARY DOING?

Library Services & Programs: At this time, the library will remain open. However, all programs are suspended beginning Monday, March 16, until further notice. We are actively encouraging patrons to use our library services remotely via our website. OverDrive provides free downloadable content at https://wplc.overdrive.com/. Plus, there are free online classes, databases and other research tools available anytime and from anywhere.  Toy library use will be limited. Toys may no longer be used in the library—please check them out.  Upon return, toys will be quarantined and disinfected before being returned to the shelf.

Library Cleaning: The library’s custodian is focusing on disinfecting high-touch areas such as counters, table tops, doorknobs, elevator buttons, computer keyboards and computer mice. Wipes are available at the desk for patron use, while supplies last.

Library Materials Cleaning: Library materials (books, movies, CDs, etc.) are not disinfected when they are checked in or as they are browsed or used in-house due to limited resources and supplies.

Staff and Patron Hygiene: Staff encourages frequent hand-washing.  Use hand sanitizer if it isn’t possible to wash hands.

Next Steps: We are monitoring this developing situation closely, staying up-to-date on information from federal, state and local agencies, health organizations and other experts. Staff will reassess the situation weekly.

Staff will continue to communicate any further impacts to RPL via the library’s website at https://www.riponlibrary.org/ and the library’s Facebook page.

The 2020 Library Wonders Calendar!

LIBRARY WONDERS CALENDARS ARE GORGEOUS! This delightful 12-month wall calendar features area children in settings inspired by favorite children's books! It's the perfect gift for book lovers, educators, and the young at heart!

Thanks to these generous business sponsors, every penny of your purchase goes directly toward funding a renovation of the library's children's department: Back Porch Gatherings, Knuth Brewing Co., Homan Auto Group, Surface & Surroundings, Visioncare Associates, Mr. & Mrs. P's, Vines & Rushes Winery, Del Monte Foods Inc., and Blue Bucket Photography.

1) Drop by any of these locations to purchase with cash or check: Ripon Public Library, Back Porch Gatherings, Knuth Brewing Co. 2) Make your purchase online, for pick up at the library, or shipped with fees. LIBRARY WONDERS CREDIT CARD PURCHASE.

 

Local entrepreneur Mary Shudy, of Blue Bucket Photography, developed the artistic vision and lovingly masterminded the creation of this a one-of-a-kind wall calendar. ADDED BONUS - All proceeds from this fundraiser are dedicated toward a redesign and renovation of the Ripon Public Library children's department. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Sincerely,

Mary Shudy, www.bluebucketphotography.com

Linda DeCramer, Youth Services Librarian

Please direct questions to Linda DeCramer, 920-748-6160 or decramer@riponlibrary.org.

*The last update to the children’s department was 20 years ago. Since then, MUCH has changed in the world of public libraries! Additions to services and collections since 1999 include assorted technology, a circulating toy library, a makerspace collection, and an early literacy activity/resources center, with more to come. While these additions have been accommodated within the existing space, a renovation will greatly enhance access and usability for library patrons.

Tax Form information for 2019

COVID-19 information: the filing deadline for both federal and state income tax returns for the 2019 tax year has been extended to July 15. The library is not currently open for picking up pre-printed tax forms or instruction booklets. Please refer to the links and phone numbers below if you would like to print out your own forms at home or request free forms by mail.

*** Please call the library for current availability of tax forms and instruction booklets.  ***

FINE FORGIVENESS

Love Your Library!

Are overdue fines keeping youth you know away from the Ripon Public Library? They’re welcome back to clear up those fines with a fine forgiveness initiative, beginning Thursday February 14! Library users, 0-16 years old, are invited to read away their fines, with every hour spent reading at the library equal to $5.00 in fine forgiveness. A young child who is not yet reading can participate with an adult reader’s assistance. This initiative is made possible by an anonymous donor. Call 748-6160, or, visit the library for details.

FREE Books for your child with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Ripon Reads Logo

The Ripon Area United Way is pleased to present the Imagination Library to Ripon children under the age of 5.

Call 920-345-READ (7323) or visit www.imaginationlibrary.com to register

What Is It?
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a 60 volume set of books beginning with the children's classic The Little Engine that Could. Each month a new, carefully selected book will be mailed in your child's name directly to your home. Best of all it is FREE! There is no cost or obligation to your family.

Introducing Our Digital Piano

Known for "More Than Books", the library expands its resources and repertoire with the joy of music! The library is pleased to announce the addition of a Yamaha Clavinova CLP-675 to its selection of unique resources for library patrons. The piano is available, by reservation, for library sponsored events and for free public use in the library's meeting rooms - including practice, programs and recitals, offered at no cost.

Funding from the fall 2017 Giving Tuesday campaign, plus individual donors Elizabeth Olson and Mandy and John Hughes, made the purchase possible.

Planning for a holiday concert and sing-along featuring area musicians of all ages is currently underway. For more information, or to participate in the concert, please contact Linda DeCramer, decramer@riponlibrary.org, or call 920-748-6160.