ALPENA — Though changing on a daily basis, leadership would like to share an update as to the status of operations at the Alpena County Library. In accordance with Executive Order 2020-69 which prohibited Michigan libraries from reopening to the public, as well as the extension of the Stay at Home order, the library building will remain closed at least through May 28. A firm reopening date has not been established. While the building remains closed, we ask that patrons do not return materials they have checked out, and all due dates will be extended past the reopening date to ensure no fines are accrued. In preparation for reopening, the staff and library board are working to create plans and policies to ensure the safety of employees and the public.

Library staff encourages residents to take advantage of available virtual services by visiting alpenalibrary.org. Residents of Alpena County are eligible for a temporary library card to access digital services. Cardholders have access to the library’s collection of hundreds of thousands of downloadable e-books, audiobooks, magazines, movies, and newspapers using our digital resources. For timely resources, information, distance learning assistance, and more, visit the Activities to do at Home page. In addition to the e-books and audiobooks that can be found through Libby or the newspapers and magazines on RB Digital, patrons can stream movies through Kanopy or enjoy musical performances and the best of British entertainment through RB digital’s expanded offerings of Qello and Acorn TV. Those looking for something more active to do should check out the digital guided tours available through the Special Collections Department. Additionally, the Special Collections Department’s Great Lakes Maritime Database is available 24/7 with new content being added daily.

For those without internet access, the Library has launched a Dial-a-Story Service that will feature a new children’s story each week as well as a new chapter of H. G. Wells classic “War of the Worlds.” To enjoy these new services, call 1-833-778-0301 for the children’s story and 1-833-749-0504 for the adult story. The story and chapters will be updated each Sunday. The outstanding members of the READ Adult Literacy Program have been busy during this time as well, with volunteers developing innovative ways to tutor ESL students, GED students, and basic literacy students via distance learning apps such as Zoom and even by using a simple telephone. Members of the Library administration are asking that members of the community complete a short survey to help inform future services and programs, at https://bit.ly/36kksnd.