The Bloomfield Public Library building remains closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, we will be able to take advantage of this opportunity to move forward with our planned renovation project, which was originally scheduled to begin earlier this year. The purpose of this interior renovation is to make the library more accessible and to complete needed updates.
Much has changed since the library building was completed and opened at 9 Church Street in 1988. In that time the library has not embarked on any significant internal renovation projects. The original workstations for public computers are located in the center of the library where the original card catalogs had been. The public computer stations are not designed with accessibility in mind and offer no privacy to users. The main circulation desk, also in the center of the library, is designed as a standing desk only and is not usable to patrons with accessibility needs or children.
This project will relocate the public computers to a counter area that will be much more private, have fewer distractions, and will accommodate workstation chairs or wheelchairs. The project will also replace the current circulation desk with a new desk that provides both a standing station as well as an ADA accessible station.
Making these changes will necessitate the replacement of the current flooring and some painting. Once this project is complete, the library will be more accessible, easier for all patrons and staff to use, and offer more privacy for computer users.
In 2018 the library applied for a New York State Construction Aid Grant. We received funding from the state to cover 75% of the project. The remaining 25% of the planned project cost will be supplied by a fund set aside over the past years by the library Board of Trustees for construction purposes. The 2020-2021 proposed budget increase has no bearing on this project.
The original project timeline was interrupted by New York State on PAUSE and the subsequent library building closure. Our updated aim is to complete much of the renovation work while the library remains closed to the public and have patron services resume in accordance with the library’s reopening plans. During the closure and renovation project, our top priority will be, as always, the health and safety of patrons, staff, and contractors.
We look forward to seeing you in person and sharing the newly renovated library with you as soon as possible!
The Bloomfield Public Library is asking residents of the Bloomfield Central School District to vote on the library’s 2020-2021 funding. The library is asking voters to vote on a $171,750 tax levy, which represents a 4.09 % overall budget increase from the 2019-2020 fiscal year. The library has not asked voters for an increase in the tax levy since becoming a school district public library in 2018. This increase in the library tax will be approximately $0.02 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The library has operated at the same budgetary level since 2018, while in that same timeframe the minimum wage rates have increased approximately 13%. In order to maintain the current level of library services and to plan for the future, the library needs to be able to keep up with State mandated wage increases.
The library will continue to purchase new materials, including bestsellers, movies, ebooks, YA and Children’s materials, and magazines.
The library will be able to expand offerings of programming events and classes for all ages, including early literacy and summer reading programs.
The library will maintain the current level of computer and internet access, tutoring, and meeting room availability.
The library will continue to collaboration with schools and community organizations.
If the Vote FAILS, what can be expected?
Fewer new books, ebooks, movies, and magazines will be purchased
Longer wait times for holds.
The library’s service hours will be reduced.
Programing events and classes will be cut for adults, teens, and children and technology help may be reduced.
Computer and internet access, tutoring and meeting room availability may all be negatively impacted
The proposed budget enables us to continue serving the Bloomfield community in a fiscally responsible manner, while reflecting our mission to educate and enrich by providing essential resources and opportunities.
Important Information about the vote
As per the East Bloomfield Central School District legal notice, in accordance with Executive Order 202.26, at least one (1) absentee ballot shall be provided per household for the 2020 annual meeting. If a household requires additional ballots, please contact the District Clerk at 585-657-6121 extension 4004 or DRobinson@bloomfieldcsd.org. A list of persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued will be available for inspection in the District Clerk’s Office, during regular business hours, during each of the five (5) days prior to the election, except Sundays, and shall also be posted at the door of the polling place(s) on June 9, 2020. Absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on June 9, 2020.
The Bloomfield Public Library has two Board of Trustee positions that are open for election for the 2020-2021 year. The Library Board consist of a total seven (7) trustees, elected or appointed in accordance with the library’s By-laws and relevant law.
A Trustee candidate must be a legal resident of the Bloomfield Central School District of Ontario County, New York (the “District”), must be a qualified voter of the District, and must otherwise meet the requirements for election as a trustee set forth in applicable provisions of Education Law.
The length of each trustee term is three (3) years. Elected trustees assume their duties on July 1st following their election and serve until June 30th of the last year of their term.
Trustees participate in monthly board meetings, typically held on the third Monday of each month. Trustee responsibilities include:
Regularly plan and evaluate the library’s service program based on community needs;
Secure adequate funding for the library’s service program;
Exercise fiduciary responsibility for the use of public and private funds;
Adopt policies and rules regarding library governance and use;
Maintain a facility that meets the library’s and community’s needs;
Promote the library in the local community and in society in general;
Conduct the business of the library in an open and ethical manner in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and with respect for the institution, staff and public.
The 2020-2021 Trustee election will be completed via mailing due to the COVID-19 health concerns. Additionally there is no petition this year for Trustee candidates. To be included on the ballot for the Bloomfield Public Library Board of Trustees positions, so long as they meet the requirements, interested individuals must call Debbie Robinson, the District Clerk, before 2pm on Friday, May 8, 2020. Debbie Robinson can be reached at the Bloomfield Central School District Office at 585-657-6121 x4004.
Questions can be directed to Margo Prak, Library Director at 585-657-6264 or blooomfieldlibrarydirector@owwl.org.
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 are not due back at this time. You do not need to renew items. The Pioneer Library System has extended due dates to June 30, 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 have been 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?
There is now an option available to sign up for a digital library card using a mobile phone number. The option is now available to sign up for a digital library card. These cards can only be used for Overdrive or Libby app content.
I have other Owwl2go questions. Where can I find answers?
Check out the Owwl2go FAQS page for information on e-book and audiobook borrowing during Pioneer Library System libraries’ closures.
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.
————————————————————————————
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.
————————————————————————————
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.
