National Library Week 2021: Welcome to your Library

The theme for National Library Week (April 4-10, 2021), “Welcome to Your Library” promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building – and that everyone is welcome to use their services. During the pandemic libraries have been going above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their users. Whether people visit in person or virtually, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs.

Actress, author, and activist Natalie Portman is lending her star power to shine a spotlight on our nation’s libraries as the honorary chair of National Library Week 2021. She will help highlight the essential role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in serving their communities, especially during challenging times. Her debut book “Natalie Portman’s Fables” will be the theme of this months grab bags for children. Her book includes retellings of The Tortoise and the Hare, The Three Little Pigs, and Country Mouse and City Mouse. Click Here to hear Natalie Portman reading her book  https://youtu.be/iujWwKkna9o The grab bags will be available through the month of April and are geared towards grades K-3.

A year ago, we were planning to hold a small quilt show at our library in honor of long-time board member Harriett Klein who had faithfully served the Ackley Public Library Board of Directors for over 33 years. Her involvement in the library started long before that when her mother Beulah Ricksmeier was a board member on the first official library board in November 1939, where she served until her death in 1985. At that time Harriett took over her place on the Ackley Public Library Board of Directors until her death in 2019. We are better because of her efforts, her wisdom, and her friendship.

A small wall quilt with books and cats will be hung in the entry way above a display sharing some of Harriett’s favorite things. The family provided the library with a memorial gift that was used for a new magazine shelf (one Harriett had been encouraging us to get!) so be sure to stop in and see those items.

We would also like to recognize the current board members: Lisa Kielty, Earl Akers, Jenn Ibeling, Doug Boheman, and Teri Elmore, along with the former board members, who together have served more than 90 years’ worth of volunteer hours, and who give of their time and talents to make our library the best it can be.    Thank you

The Ackley Public Library will be open as of September 1st, 2020 but with some newly implemented changes. For the safety of the library staff and patrons, we ask that the library not be used as a gathering place at this time.  There will be no After School Friends, Coloring Group, Book Club, or other gatherings until further notice.

Building open to public with slightly limited hours

• Children 13 and under are not allowed in the building without a parent/guardian/adult

• Each patron will be allowed to be in the library for no longer than 30 minutes

• Maximum of 8 patrons in the building at one time

• Newspapers are available but not sanitized

  Computers

  • Please call to schedule an appointment to use the computer. 2 computers are available with 30-minute time limit.  

  • Safety

    • Anyone entering the building will be required to use the hand sanitizing station and have their name and phone number recorded in a log

    • Masks are encouraged but not required

    • Staff will wear masks while working on the floor (not behind the desk)

    • Staff will wash hands if money is exchanged

    • Items may not be returned to the circulation desk *Please place returned materials in the book drop outside.

    • Returned materials will continue to quarantined for up to 7 days. 

    • High traffic areas of touch (door handles, tables, counters) will be cleaned often as time allows, at least once per day. *Due to large surface areas in the library, not all areas will be cleaned on a regular basis.

    Restrooms are for emergencies only and are not sanitized after each use

    We will continue to have curbside service available for those who would prefer not to enter the library.
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  • •Click here to read the full Re-Opening Policy