Manchester District Library continues to provide remote resources and community services

submitted by Quintessa Gallinat, Manchester District Library

Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-69 requires that all libraries in the state of Michigan remain closed to the public through May 28, 2020.

During the closure—which began on March 17—Manchester District Library has continued to offer existing remote resources and worked to expand the services offered outside of our building. For a complete MDL closure guide, visit manchesterlibrary.info.

Physical Materials

• Library card expiration dates are extended through the end of May and will continue to be automatically renewed until the library re-opens.

• Due dates and late fees for all physical materials are suspended until the library re-opens.

• MDL drop-boxes remain open for returns:

  • In the rear parking lot of the Library at 912 City Road

  • At the Fredonia Grocery, 11515 East Pleasant Lake Road in Freedom Township

  • At the Bridgewater Depot, 8994 E Austin Road in Bridgewater Township

Remote Resources

• Virtual storytimes featuring crafts and music are available on Facebook: facebook.com/ManchesterDistrictLibrary. Join Ms. Stacia via live-stream for an interactive experience or watch from the video archive anytime.

• E-books & digital audiobooks are available through Download Destination using either Overdrive or Libby mobile apps.

• Ancestry.com genealogy database is available remotely through May 31.

• MDL maintains collections of online resources for job seeking, home schooling, internet access, and more.

For remote resources that require a card number and PIN, it may be possible for MDL staff to issue a temporary library card for new patrons or to reset PINs for current card holders. Contact Library Director Kathleen Dimond for assistance at kdimond@manchesterlibrary.info.

Public Wi-Fi

Free public wi-fi is available outside the Library at 912 City Road. Users are generally able to access the network (MDL Public) from within their vehicles in the front (south) parking lot. Please follow all recommended public health and social distancing guidelines when using this resource.

Beyond May 28, plans for resuming in-person services are not concrete. In accordance with state guidelines and public health recommendations, the MDL is developing a strategy for staged re-opening that prioritizes the safety of library patrons and employees. Any updates will be posted to manchesterlibrary.info as soon as they are available.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.