Below is a list of the more frequently asked questions that have come up during this unprecedented situation.
How do I return the books I have out?
Please hold onto your library materials until the library has reopened, so as to not overload the book drop. Please note that returns will not be checked in immediately and may show on your account for a few days.
When are my items due?
Library materials will not be due back to the library until the library reopens. You do not need to renew items. The Pioneer Library System will adjust due dates for any currently checked out item due between today and 4/20/2020, to be due on 4/20/2020.
Will I be charged late fees?
Fines will not accrue on any items that are already overdue, until the library reopens. Please note that the due dates for overdue items will not be adjusted, but fines for those overdue items will not accrue.
What about the books I have on hold?
All current Holds will be suspended until delivery between member libraries is reinstated. You will not lose your place in line. If a library is closed, all items currently on their Hold Shelf waiting for pick-up will be kept at that library ready for you to pick-up upon reopening.
I have never used ebooks, downloadable audiobooks, or digital magazines. Where do I start?
You will need the following:
a Wi-Fi/data capable device (computer, tablet, smart phone, ereader, etc.) connected to Wi-Fi or other internet connection
An OWWL library card
The four-digit pin for the OWWL library card, (if you do not know your pin, please contact the Bloomfield Public Library).
If you need assistance, please call the Bloomfield Public Library at 585-657-6264 Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm, and we will help walk you through the set up.
What if I don’t remember my pin to access online library resouces?
What about people that need the internet, like students now learning from home?
Specturm announced that it will provide free Specturm broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 students and/or college students who do not already have a Specturm broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. Call 1-84-488-8395 for more information.
But I’m not a student! How can I access Wi-Fi?
The Wi-Fi at the Bloomfield Public Library is accessible if you are in close proximity to the building. It is likely that you can safely practice Social Distancing and access our Wi-Fi from the parking lot!
When will the library reopen?
The recommendations from local and state government agencies have been changing rapidly, and it is difficult to pinpoint an exact date for reinstatement of library operations. We will continuously evaluate the status, and the decision to reopen will be made individually by libraries. Check bloomfieldpubliclibrary.org for the most up-to-date information.
How do I contact you, if I have more questions?
Questions can be emailed to the library through the CONTACT link on our homepage. If you prefer to call the Bloomfield Public Library at 585-657-6264, staff will be available to assist you between 10am and 4pm Monday – Friday. Outside of these hours, please leave a voice message, and we will get back to you as soon as staffing permits.
Information and Resources regarding COVID-19 and the Library. Information will be added here as it becomes available.
3/16/2020 9:00 PM
This is an update to the previously posted message.
The Bloomfield Public Library will close to the public Tuesday, March 17, 2020, and remain closed until further notice. The Board of Trustees passed a motioned to close the library based on current information and guidance from the Center for Disease Control and New York State.
We appreciate your understanding and flexibility during what continues to be a fluid situation. Please know that due dates will be extended until the library reopens and Fines for items due will not accrue during this emergency closure. If you choose, library materials may be returned in the external book drop. Otherwise, they may be returned when the library reopens.
As a reminder access to ebooks, downloadable audiobooks, and digital magazines are available online at owwl.overdrive.com or in the Libby app on your digital device.
3/15/2020 3:25 PM
The Bloomfield Public Library will be closed to the public Wednesday, March 18, 2020 and will remain closed until further notice. This decision was made after careful consideration of current information and in order to mitigate the risk and impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 will be the last day community members will be able to access the library building and physical materials. Staff members will continue to report and be available to answer questions by phone during our regular hours or by email to bloomfieldlibrarydirector@owwl.org.
Holds and delivery of items from other libraries have also been suspended until further notice.
Fines for items due will not accrue during this emergency closure.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during these unprecedented and historic times. We will continue to monitor the evolving situation and post updates and plans for reopening as they become available.
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3/14/2020 3:40 PM
In order to follow the guidance of state institutions and to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Bloomfield Public Library has cancelled all programs and community room use, effective Monday, March 16, 2020 through the end of March.
Starting Saturday, March 14, 2020, the Pioneer Library System (PLS) will suspend the option of placing holds in OWWL. This means neither library staff nor patrons will be able to order library materials from another member library. Additionally, PLS will suspend delivery services which will result in no movement of library materials between member libraries until further notice. PLS will reevaluate this stoppage of service on Friday, April 3, 2020, with guidance from local and state government agencies.
At this time, all other library operations will continue as usual. We continue to monitor the situation and will post additional information as it becomes available. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we respond to rapidly growing COVID-19 concerns.
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3/13/2020
In response to rapidly evolving health concerns, the Bloomfield Public Library is taking the following preventative measures:
Hand sanitizer is
available in the library: in the Children’s Area, Teen Area, and at the
Circulation Desk.
Sanitizing wipes
are available at the public computers and the circulation desk for patrons to
wipe keyboards and mice before and after computer use.
Library materials
should be returned only in the Book Drops.
During check out
library cards will be scanned in the patrons’ hands.
Library staff
will wipe down all door knobs and handles throughout the day.
Library surfaces
and furniture will be wiped or sprayed with a disinfectant at the end of each
day.
All plush and difficult-to-clean
toys have been temporarily removed from the Children’s area. All other toys in
the Children’s Room will be sanitized at the end of each day.
Please practice good hand washing and hand sanitizing habits. Additionally,
if you are sick or if you are vulnerable to illness, please consider suspending
library use. If you need assistance renewing an item please contact the library
at 585-657-6264.
The health and safety of our patrons, employees, and the community
is our top priority. The library will continue to operate as usual while
closely monitoring recommendations made by the appropriate federal, state, and
local governmental agencies. Any changes to our operating procedures will be
communicated to the public.
Here are some of the fun special events happening in February. A complete listing of events can be found on our calendar.
It’s just what it sounds like; a bunch of folks get together and (silently) read! Bring your own book or let us help you choose your next read. Refreshments will be provided. No registration required. Feel free to stick around after to share what you’ve read with your fellow silent readers!Celebrate Valentine’s Day by making a special heart wreath. No registration required. Drop in when you can! Challenge your friends and family to an evening of Scrabble™ at the library. New and experienced players of the game are welcome! Registration requested. No comments
Beginning in January 2020 there will be an opening on the Bloomfield Public Library’s Board of Trustees. The Board meets monthly, on the third Monday. A candidate will be appointed by the Board of Trustees to fulfill the remaining portion of the 2019-2020 term year.
Eligible candidates must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of the Bloomfield Central School District. Additional information is available at the library.
If you are interested in this position please contact the library at 585-657-6264, email: bloomfieldlibrarydirector@owwl.org, or stop in!
This Holiday season, help us decorate the Mitten Tree with new mittens, hats, boots, and other outdoor winter apparel. Items donated will be provided to the Ontario County Foster Homefinding Unit to help keep little ones warm this winter!
Donations in sizes from birth through 18 years, will be accepted November 30 through December 20. Items may be handmade or store bought.
The Mitten Tree can be found in the lobby of the Bloomfield Public Library. Please contact the library with any questions at 585-657-6264.
Looking for a DIY craft to kick-start your Holiday spirit?
Join us on Monday, December 2 at 6:30pm to make Origami Star Garlands. These festive garlands will be made by folding holiday paper into five-pointed stars and stringing them together.
All materials will be provided; there is no fee for this program. Appropriate for adults and teens. Please contact the library at 585-657-6264 with any questions or to register for this program.
The Bloomfield Public Library will be collecting nonperishable, non-expired food items for the Food Pantry at The Blessing Room.
The Blessing Room, next-door neighbor to the library, is housed at St. Bridget’s Hall (15 Church Street), and has been serving as a Food Pantry for all in the Bloomfield School District since the 1970’s.
Food item donations can be dropped off in the lobby of the Bloomfield Public Library now through October 19th.
The Great Give Back
The mission of The Great Give Back is to provide a day of opportunities for the patrons of the Public Libraries of New York State to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. thegreatgiveback.org
It’s not too late to sign-up for the Summer Reading Challenge. Stop in the library to get your calendar and a few books to get started. Record the minutes you read on your calendar, then bring it in each week to receive your prize!
Here’s the lineup of our programming for the rest of the summer:
Family Programming
Registration is requested for each program. Please contact the library at 585-657-6264.
July 30 @ 3pm – Galaxy Slime
Glitter, glue, and starch, oh my! Join us for this messy experiment, putting these ingredients (and more) together to create galaxy slime!
August 6 @ 3pm – Cosmic Frames
Create your own cosmos inspired picture frame!
August 13 @3pm – Constellation Luminaries
Make your own constellation luminaries!
August 20 @3pm – Out of this World Tie Dye
Make t-shirts that are out of this world! Join us for an afternoon of tie dying family fun. Please bring a prewashed, 100% cotton T-Shirt or other small, cotton item.
August 1 @ 2:45pm – Teen & Tween Club
Make “Stained Glass” Galaxy Jars. No registration is needed.
August 23 @ 4pm – S.T.E.M. Friday
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math activities for school aged children.
Reading with Molly – July 31, August 2, 5, 7, and 8: 3-4pm each day
Sign up for a 15-minute session to read with Molly the therapy dog. Registration is required.
Weekly Programs run through August 20.
Registration is requested for each program. Please contact the library at 585-657-6264.
Tuesdays @ 10:30am – Stories & More!
Stories and a craft for all children.
Thursdays @ 10:30am – Simply Stories
Fun-filled stories for all children.
Thursdays @ 6:30pm – Evening Story Time
Stories and a craft for all children.
Summer Programs aren’t just for the kids…
August 7 @ 6pm – Instant Pot Demo
Get to know your Instant Pot better with this how-to. Adults only please. Registration is requested.
August 15 @ 6pm – Watercolor Painting Class
Create your own watercolor painting with artist Kory Yerkes. For adults and teens. Seating is limited. Registration is requested.
August 27 @ 6:30pm – Craft Night: Galaxy Coasters
Create galaxy inspired coasters using Sharpies. For adults and teens. Registration is requested.
August 5 @ 2:30pm – Adult Book Club
All are welcome. We will be reading The Library Book by Susan Orlean
Tuesdays – Tech Help
Basic computer and device help. Please call to make an appointment.
EVERY Friday @ 1pm – Sit ‘n’ Knit Needle Crafters All skill levels welcome!
