Library updates: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

UPDATE: Posted 5.14.20 at 9:15 a.m.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has struck down the state’s Safer at Home order. While this removes many of the regulations closing business establishments, the library will remain closed to the public at this time. OPL will continue to provide curbside service, digital resources and information services via phone, email and chat. Library leadership will continue to develop a plan to expand service to the community at a time when it can be done safely for our staff and the community.

Requesting items for curbside pickup.

Call anytime during regular business hours:
Public Services   920-236-5203
Information Services    920-236-5205
Children's & Family Outreach     920-236-5208

Or email questions to opl_ref@oshkoshpubliclibrary.org

To receive updates on library services, sign up for our eNewsletter, visit our website or follow us on Facebook.

 

UPDATE: Posted 4.22.20 at 3 p.m.

Oshkosh Public Library is providing contactless, curbside pickup of materials by appointment starting Fri., April 24. To maintain social distancing, staff cannot accept in-person returns. Please return materials to the book drop on Mount Vernon Street. Due dates on all library materials have been extended to June 1.

How do I request items for curbside pickup?

 

UPDATE: Posted 4.17.20 at 3 p.m.

The State of Wisconsin has extended the Safer at Home order to May 26, including provisions for public libraries to offer curbside service. Oshkosh Public Library, along with our partners in the Winnefox Library System, is reviewing the emergency order to determine if we can provide curbside service in a way that is safe for our staff and community. Under the Safer at Home extension, no new library services are allowed until the current order expires on April 24.

Thank you for your continued patience. We’ll share more information on our website and Facebook page soon.

Staff is available to answer your questions and provide information via phone at 236-5205 and email at opl_ref@oshkoshpubliclibrary.org

Due dates/fines/returning items

  • Don't worry about fines. Fines will not be assessed to any materials currently checked out.
  • Materials may be returned to the drop boxes outside the library on Mount Vernon Street.
  • Items should not be returned to the drop box at Evergreen.

Library cards

  • You can easily apply for a library card online to access digital resources such as ebooks, audiobooks, movies, television shows, graphic novels, comic books, online courses and more!
  • Cards will not expire during the closure.

Requesting items and placing holds

  • Holds on items have been suspended; they will not be filled until the library reopens. Digital holds will be filled as normal.
  • You may still place holds.
  • Items placed on hold for pickup at Evergreen will not be available during the closure.

Library programs and events

  • All library programs/events/outreach/meeting room reservations have been cancelled during the Safer at Home Order.

Home Delivery/Roving Readers/Volunteers

  • Home Delivery service is discontinued until further notice.
  • Roving Reader visits to childcare providers are cancelled.
  • Volunteers should not report to the library for previously scheduled activities.

As the situation evolves, look for updates on our website and Facebook.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we face this challenging time together.

UPDATE: Posted 3.20.20
Even though we're closed, you can still get a library card.
Apply for a library card and get answers to frequently asked questions about materials, your account and more here.

UPDATE: Posted 3.15.20
Oshkosh Public Library closed effective March 16

To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community, the library is closed to the public, effective Monday, March 16. The library plans to reopen on Monday, April 6, but this is subject to change based on the rapidly evolving situation.

The health and safety of patrons and staff are our number one priority at Oshkosh Public Library. Here is what you need to know about library service at this time:

  • Staff will continue to provide information services via phone and email.
  • Library materials will not be available to check out.
  • Fines will not be assessed to any materials currently checked out, through at least Monday, April 6.
  • Materials may be returned to the drop boxes outside the library, on Mount Vernon Street.
  • Items should not be returned to the drop box at Evergreen.
  • Holds on items have been suspended; they will not be filled until the library reopens.
  • Items placed on hold for pickup at Evergreen will not be available during the closure.
  • Home Delivery service is discontinued until further notice.
  • Roving Reader visits to childcare providers are cancelled.
  • Volunteers should not report to the library for previously scheduled activities.

As the situation evolves, we will update you on our website and via email. Streaming services and digital resources will continue to be available on our website.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we face this challenging time together.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) Posted 3.13.2020

The City of Oshkosh has declared a State of Emergency and as a result the library is cancelling all public programs, events and public meetings for 30 days, from March 13 through April 11.

At this time, the library will remain open with regular hours.

The health and safety of patrons and staff is our number one priority at Oshkosh Public Library. As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to develop, the library will continue to be a source of accurate and reliable information. We will provide updates here, on our Facebook page and via email. If you would like to receive updates via email, sign up for our eNewsletter. Information related to the State of Emergency and other city operations is available on the city’s website.

As you are aware, COVID-19 is a new form of coronavirus that causes a respiratory illness and can spread from person to person. Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.

What you need to know:

  • The library continues to provide a clean and safe environment for both our patrons and employees. We have implemented a more stringent schedule for cleaning surfaces and equipment and continue to encourage thorough hand washing.
  • The library will provide hand sanitizer at various service points in the building, based on availability.
  • Toys, puzzles and other high-touch items in the Children’s Department have been removed for thorough cleaning.
  • If you are feeling sick or are concerned you may have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, stay home to prevent others from becoming infected. 

Here are some recommendations from the CDC:

  • If you are sick, stay home.
  • Wash hands often and thoroughly – for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Or use hand sanitizer that is 60 to 90 percent alcohol based.
  • Do not shake hands; use other noncontact methods of greeting.
  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
  • Follow social distancing practices; keep a distance of six feet between you and other people.

Accurate Sources of Information

Winnebago County Health Department
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
What you need to know about handwashing (two-minute video)

If you would prefer not to visit the library at this time, a wide range of digital services are always available to card holders, 24/7, at no charge. Stream books and entertainment with Hoopla and Libby/Overdrive. In addition, Gale Courses offer more than 300 online classes for personal and professional development.

For your convenience, search for materials, renew items, place holds and manage your account online.