News Photo by Crystal Nelson Don La Barre, Alpena County Library’s Head of Special Collections, on Friday looks through some records at the Special Collections Department’s temporary location at 108 3rd Ave.

ALPENA — The Alpena County Library Special Collections Department on Monday will open for research appointments at its temporary location at 108 3rd Ave. in Alpena.

Appointments are available in blocks from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Researchers can schedule both a morning and afternoon time on the same day, but will have to leave between blocks to allow time for staff to clean.

“We are excited to welcome people back to conduct research. Our space is small, and we want to ensure we are opening in a way that keeps our patrons and staff safe,” the library’s Head of Special Collections Don La Barre said in a library news release.

The library’s special collections relocated to its temporary collection in July while the library undergoes renovation. The special collection will move back to the library when the renovation is completed in 2021. La Barre said the space for the special collections will be a little larger and have expanded shelving systems.

The library’s special collections has a number of resources and historic records, including genealogical records, immigration and naturalization records, news archives, and 19th Century shipping records.

La Barre said those planning to access the collection will need to contact the department to make an appointment. When making the appointment, patrons should make specific requests about the equipment or the collection they will need.

Patrons need to call special collections upon arrival for entry, and will be required to wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines. Those who are ill or experiencing coronavirus symptoms will be asked to reschedule their appointment.

La Barre said the library equipment will be sanitized after use and accessed collections will be quarantined for 96 hours before they can be made available to the public.

Assistance is still available by phone or email for those not comfortable going to the location for research. The full usage guidelines are available on the libraries website www.alpenalibrary.org.

To make an appointment for research, please contact the Special Collections Department by calling 989-419-4228 or by emailing specialcollections@alpenalibrary.org.

The library also resumed its services recently at a temporary location in Bear Point Plaza, located between Big Lots and JoAnn Fabrics on U.S.-23 South.

Library cardholders are able to check out books, audiobooks, and DVDs through the library’s online catalog or by calling the library directly at 989-356-6188. Patrons can then pick up their books via curbside service at a scheduled time.