Madison Public Library Resumes Telephone Service, Launches Internet Access Information Line

Curbside service will begin at Madison Public Library on May 11

While library buildings remain closed, librarians are working remotely to answer library and community questions.  Madison Public Library has opened two new centralized telephone services: regular reference assistance and library support, and the Madison Internet Access Information Line.  Both services can be reached by calling the phone number 608-315-5151 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Reference assistance and help with resources
Common questions involve checking a library record, resetting PIN numbers for restored access, placing holds, or questions about using online resources and collections, including troubleshooting the Libby app or OverDrive/Wisconsin’s Digital Library online collection access.  Please call this line for information and resource referral questions, homework questions, or other assistance.

Madison Internet Access Information Line
For those who need help finding access to the internet, library staff can assist in locating nearby public wi-fi, or provide information about free or low-cost internet access plan options and contact information to request internet access from private companies or public assistance programs.

Curbside pickup service
Madison Public Library will offer curbside pickup service starting Monday, May 11, at all Madison Public Library locations except Alicia Ashman Library which is currently being renovated. Curbside pickup service hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Curbside pickup will allow library customers to:

• pick up existing holds currently on the shelves at all libraries except Alicia Ashman
• place holds on specific items available in the library you intend to visit for curbside pickup; place holds online via LINKcat or by calling 608-315-5151
• ask library staff to make recommendations and place holds for other materials available at specific libraries by calling 608-315-5151

Due to restrictions in Gov. Evers’ Executive Order #28, there is no delivery of library materials between library locations. Because of this, library customers must request library materials that are on the shelves of the library they wish to visit; libraries may not move materials between locations at this time to fulfill customer holds.

All curbside pickup service requests will require an appointment; appointments will be scheduled by calling the library at which items will be picked up.

All staff working the service will receive training and the personal protective equipment necessary to keep themselves, other staff, and the public safe. ​All employees will wear face coverings according to City of Madison policy, and the library asks that library customers observe social distancing best practices.

At this time, book drops will remain closed and returns will not be accepted. Library buildings will also remain closed to the public.

“We are excited to begin curbside delivery of library materials at Madison's public libraries," said Library Director Greg Mickells. "Complying with the Governor’s order and following recommended health and safety procedures, we are making sure we can provide curbside delivery in the safest manner we can for library staff and the public. I encourage everyone to continue to use our online resources, but we are thrilled we can provide another option for the community to enjoy your public libraries."

For additional library service updates, visit: https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/coronavirus
For a list of all library hours and locations, visit https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/locations
For downloadable audiobooks and ebooks, visit https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/ebooks
For LINKcat online library catalog, visit http://www.linkcat.info
 

Links

• Madison Public Library
• Curbside Pickup Service Details

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