The Jefferson public library is closed to foot traffic due to COVID-19, but library staff continues to offer services for library patrons.
Librarians will be at the library Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm, and Fridays from 9 am to 5 pm.
Librarians are offering car-side and home delivery service of library materials upon request during this time. Patrons can call or email librarians* to make arrangements for any of the following items: books and DVD movies for children, teens, adults; magazines and audiobooks; and jigsaw puzzles and board games. Loan limits and checkout periods will be extended and no overdue fines will be charged while the library is closed.
Items can be renewed by calling the library or using Patron Accounts on the library website (www.jefferson.lib.ia.us). Items should be returned through the book return on the west side of the building except puzzles and games. Patrons who need to return puzzles and/or games should call the library to make arrangements.
Persons who need photocopies, FAX service or scanning done can call the library for help. Staff will also print items from the internet.
Patrons who have a critical need to use a computer or the internet (tax, legal, medical or unemployment filings) can call the library and make an appointment to use a computer. Staff will make every effort to accommodate patrons in those situations.
The library offers free public wi-fi access 24/7 in the parking lot. No password is needed.
Several free online resources are available through the library: BRIDGES books and audiobooks (and more) downloadable for patrons’ devices; TumbleBooks for children, teens and adults; Kids InfoBits; Transparent Language, Gale Pages, Credo, and Jefferson newspaper archives.
Persons who need hard copy tax forms can call the library for assistance.
Residents who would like to read the Jefferson Herald, Scranton Journal, Des Moines Register or the Wall Street Journal can borrow them to read in their car and then return.
All programs including infant and children’s story times, play dates, homeschool session, teen movie and adult educational programs will resume after the library re-opens or will be rescheduled at a later date.
Notary public and the Kodak photo kiosk are not available at this time.
Any updates and changes will be posted on the library’s Facebook page and at www.jefferson.lib.ia.us
*Persons can call the adult department at 515-386-2835 or the children’s department at 515-386-4415. Patrons can also email librarians at jeflib@netins.net.
“Please follow the guidelines for your health and safety. We hope to see you back soon,” said library director Jane Millard.
