By FCPL Director Susan Knight
Current Hours: Monday through Friday 1 to 6; Saturday, 1 to 4.
Closure: The libraries will close at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Eve and will be closed Thanksgiving Day.
Limited Circulation: Our circulation software will be upgraded between Nov. 27 and 30. As a result, we expect to have difficulties searching for books electronically, placing holds, borrowing from other libraries, etc. We appreciate your patience.
Expanded Services: The Libraries are open for “Grab-&-Go: services. Patrons who want to enter the buildings to select books, movies, magazines, etc. may do so. Computers will be available by appointment. Brookville’s study rooms are available by appointment. Meeting rooms remain available for use by local governmental agencies. Cushioned seating, toys, and video gaming systems will NOT be available. Social distancing, sanitizing procedures, and mask usage are in effect. Call-Ahead services remain in place for those choosing curbside delivery
Contact us: fclibraries.org; Brookville—765.647.4031; Laurel—765.698.2582
Library Catalog App: Evergreen Indiana, of which the Franklin County Public Library District is a part, recently announced the release of a dedicated mobile app for both Android and iOS devices. Library cardholders may search the Evergreen Indiana catalog and manage their accounts from their phone or tablet.
Totspot Storytime: Alta Profitt is generously sharing her talent and experience in a new way—virtually. We are still working out some technical details, but expect to find new story times on our Facebook page Friday mornings around 10. Sessions include a story, a craft, and, as Mrs. Profitt’s fans know, life lessons are sprinkled throughout.
StoryWalks®: The StoryWalks® at the Brookville Town Park are ending for the season, but are continuing at the Mounds State Rec Area’s Wildlife Wander Trail. The trail is .75 miles long and is perfect for families of all ages. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-HubbardLibrary. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
Contest: For each book checked out, Laurel patrons receive one chance to win a prize. Drawing will be held Nov. 25.
Giving Tree: The libraries again offer an opportunity to support our local students. This year, our Giving Trees focus on basic needs: soap, detergent, shampoo, toothbrushes and paste, deodorant, blankets, gift cards, etc. Donations accepted until Dec. 15. Items collected will be distributed to FC Schools for redistribution to students in need.
Tree Ornaments: We invite the public to help us decorate trees and feed local wildlife. Trees at the Brookville Town Park and the Laurel Library will host homemade wildlife-edible ornaments. Please check out our Facebook page for DYI ornament ideas. Heather offers instructions and resources. Make the ornaments and hang them on our trees.
Veterans’ Book: In recognition of Veterans Day, if you are a military veteran, active or retired, and do not have a copy of the book Remembering Those Who Served: Veterans and Service Personnel of Franklin County, please contact Julie in the Local History Dept. at 765-647-4031 to see how to receive a copy, gratis, in appreciation for your military service. Copies are limited and can be requested through the month of November or until they run out. In addition if you already have the book and would like an updated addendum that runs through October 28, 2020, those are available in the Local History Dept. for $5 each.
Available: Give the gift of knowledge! If you need to find the perfect holiday gift, don’t forget that the FCPLD still has copies of some of their sponsored books including: Fairfield: The Town Under the Lake and The Fairfield School Memorial Yearbook. The New Trenton History compiled by Josie Kraus is also available, and copies of Don Dunaway’s Springfield and Bath township histories can be had as print-on-demand copies by prior arrangement with the Local History Department Manager. Call 765.647.4031 and ask for Julie to get more details regarding additional book titles or information about the historical society.