Library Closure Extended to Comply With “Stay at Home” Order

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In light of Governor Eric Holcomb’s “stay at home” order for Hoosiers to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Harrison County Public Library will remain closed through Tuesday, April 7.

As always, HCPL offers access to eBooks, eMagazines, downloadable audiobooks and other eResources, 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the HCPL eResources page.  New pages have been added to the library website.  One page provides reliable public safety information about COVID-19 and another, the Brain Booster Resource page,  offers links to Storyline Online, Scholastic Learn at Home and Tumblebooks.

To ensure library patrons have access to library eResources library card privileges have been renewed for all library cards that would have expired January 1 through June 30, 2020.  The new card expiration is now December 30, 2020.  Harrison County residents who do not currently have a library card can access library eResources by applying for a Digital Access Card at the bottom of the Library eResources page.

Material due dates have been extended until after April 8.  No library materials will be due during the March 17- April 7 closure

Library Wi-Fi remains on at all library locations and can be accessed outside the buildings.

During the closure staff will monitor the website’s Ask a Librarian  and Contact Us features.  Please check the library website or Facebook page  for up-to-date information.

All library branches are closed

2 Comments / Notices / By /

For public health and safety, the Harrison County Public Library will follow Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19 and close all library locations beginning Tuesday, March 17 through March 31.

As always, HCPL offers access to eBooks, eMagazines, downloadable audiobooks and other eResources, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at www.hcpl.lib.in.us.  New pages have been added to the library website.  One page provides reliable public safety information about COVID-19 and another, the Brain Booster Resource page, https://hcpl.lib.in.us/get-connected/services/youth-services/712358-2/, offers links to Storyline Online, Scholastic Learn at Home and Tumblebooks.

To ensure library patrons have access to library eResources library card privileges have been renewed for all library cards that would have expired January 1 through June 30, 2020.  The new card expiration is now December 30, 2020.  Harrison County residents who do not currently have a library card can access library eResources by applying for a Digital Access Card at the bottom of the Library eResources page.

Material due dates have been extended until after April 8.  No library materials will be due during the March 17- March 31 closure.

Library Wi-Fi remains on at all library locations and can be accessed outside the buildings.

The Harrison County Public Library Board of Trustees will still meet at 3 pm Thursday, March 19.

During the closure staff will monitor the website’s Ask a Librarian and Contact Us features.  Please check the library website, www.hcpl.lib.in.us, or Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/hcpl47112/ for up-to-date information.

LIBRARY PROGRAMS ARE CANCELED

Notices / By /

For public health and safety the Harrison County Public Library with the support of the Harrison County Health Department will follow Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19 and cancel all programs and outreach until further notice beginning Monday, March 16, 2020.

At this time all of Harrison County Public Libraries will remain open for checkout and return of books and other materials, as well as for browsing, reference use, studying and computer use.

Library hours or services may be adjusted in response to local conditions.  Please call the library at 812-738-4110 or check the library website, www.hcpl.lib.in.us, or Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/hcpl47112/ for up-to-date information.

WHAT IS CANCELLED?

  • All programs such as storytimes, classes, workshops, library sponsored book clubs
  • All drop in programs
  • All library outreach visits to daycares, schools, senior centers and nursing homes
  • Gatherings of 10 or more individuals in library meeting rooms

WHAT IS NOT CANCELED?

  • Regular library services such as materials checkout, public computers, WiFi, etc.

As always, HCPL offers access to eBooks, eMagazines, downloadable audiobooks and other eResources, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at www.hcpl.lib.in.us.

The health and safety of staff and library users is paramount.  As a precaution, we have elevated cleaning measures in all buildings and staff members are asked to stay home if they are ill or have a fever.

Staff and patrons are urged to practice proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Routine wiping and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces.
  • Please note that the Library is unable to comprehensively sanitize every single item that is checked out, and as such, patrons are advised to wash their hands after handling materials and avoid touching their face.

Remember that libraries are shared public spaces.  For the health and safety of others, please stay home if you are actively sick.  Please do your part to stop the spread of germs and diseas

The Facts of COVID-19

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Get the Facts About COVID-19 or novel coronavirus

 

You’ll find a lot of information about COVID-19 the novel coronavirus on the internet and the media.  You will hear a lot about it even when talking with friends and neighbors.  The problem is, a lot of what you might hear is wrong.  As librarians it’s our job to point you to reliable sources of information.  Here is some accurate information about the virus and sites where you can access up-to-date recommendations for prevention and treatment.

 

What is COVID-19, or novel coronavirus?

The novel coronavirus is a flu-like respiratory illness.  While there are many types of human coronaviruses, COVID-19 appears to be a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.

How does novel coronavirus spread?

Details about how this new coronavirus spreads are still being learned.  Other coronaviruses spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing, by close personal contact such as touching or shaking hands, touching an object or surface with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

How severe is the coronavirus?

Experts are still learning about this disease.  Reported cases have ranged from mild cold like illnesses to severe pneumonia that requires hospitalization.   Deaths have been reported mainly in older adults who had other health issues.

What are the symptoms?

People who have been diagnosed with novel coronavirus have reported symptoms that may appear in an as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.

Reported symptoms include:

  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of Breath

What can you do now to stay healthy?

Though the risk to the general American public is low to prevent the possible spread of the virus, you are asked to:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Stay home and away from others if you are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces frequently.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

Should I still visit my library?

If you are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and other health agencies advise that you stay home.  We invite you to explore everything we have to offer on our website – www.hcpl.lib.in.us.  You can download eBooks and audiobooks on Overdrive and Axis360 at this link.

Here are trusted sources of information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

World Health Organization

News and Other Websites

Libby logo

OverDrive and Libby: Hold Redelivery is Live

eBooks and audio books / By /

On March 3, hold redelivery went live in the Libby and OverDrive apps. Hold redelivery replaces auto-checkout and gives you more options for your holds. Now you can select “deliver later” on an available hold if you are not ready to read it but want to stay on the wait list. You can also still suspend a hold before a title is ready to borrow.

How does hold redelivery work?

After receiving notification that a hold is available, you can:

1) Borrow the title within 3 days

2) Choose “deliver later” and pass the book to the next person in line for a self-selected period. After the “deliver later” date, you will receive the next available copy

3) Cancel the hold

If you take no action during the hold pickup window, the “deliver after seven days” option will be automatically applied as a one-time courtesy. If you do not take any action a second time, your hold will be canceled.

Need some help? Visit Libby Holds Help or OverDrive Holds Help

Stuck at home sick?

eBooks and audio books / By /

Flu season has officially arrived. If you are among those who are at home right now feeling poorly, escape into ebooks, audio books and magazines that you can download for free from OverDrive or Axis360.

Students: if you need to catch up on homework, you can research from home using HCPL’s eResources.

Have a question about HCPL’s online resources? Please send an email to hcpl@hcpl.lib.in.us or visit the library’s FAQ page.

If you have caught a bug, we hope that you will feel better soon!

Rightfully Hers – Exhibit from the National Archives

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Harrison County Public Library is hosting a new popup exhibit from the National Archives, Rightfully Hers, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment! This exhibit explains the history of the 19th amendment, how women’s voting rights were before and after the 19th amendment, and its impact today. If you would like to know more, feel free to contact Kathy Fisher at her email, or contact the Frederick Porter Griffin Center here.

Stop by and learn more on this exhibit located in the Frederick Porter Griffin Center just behind the Corydon Branch.

HCPL readers can participate in Together We Read

Book club, fiction / By /

Harrison County Public Library joins nearly 16,000 libraries and thousands of readers across the country in offering the first Together We Read digital book club selection. From February 19–March 4, HCPL patrons can enjoy and discuss award-winning author Pat Simmons’ new Lean on Me romance ebook for free with no waitlists or holds. Readers can access the ebook with a valid library card by visiting Indiana Digital Download Center or by downloading the Libby app, and then participate in an online discussion.

The Together We Read digital book club connects readers in America through public libraries with the same ebook at the same time. This two-week program only requires an HCPL card to get started. Together We Read is facilitated by Rakuten OverDrive.

Lean on Me tells the story of Tabitha Knicely, a woman overwhelmed with sorrow and exhaustion caring for her beloved great-aunt, whose dementia is getting worse. When her neighbor Marcus Whittington accuses Tabitha of elder neglect, he doesn’t realize how his threats to have Aunt Tweet taken away add to Tabitha’s pain. Then Marcus gets to know the exuberant elderly lady and sees up close how hard Tabitha is fighting to keep everything together. Tabitha finds herself leaning on Marcus more and he’s becoming more than happy to share her burdens.

Lean on Me is published by Sourcebooks. More information can be found at TogetherWeRead.com.

Let’s celebrate National Library Lover’s Month

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As you travel through Harrison County this month, you may wonder why you are seeing “We Love Our Library” signs proudly displayed in front yards. The reason is that February is National Library Lover’s Month!  This month is dedicated to those who love the institutions that are devoted to reading, learning and loving books [in addition to the lot of other items you’ll find available at HCPL].

Likewise, we love our patrons! If you have not been to the library lately, we invite you to visit your local Harrison County Public Library branch (Corydon, Lanesville, Elizabeth, Palmyra) and the Frederick Porter Griffin Center for Local History and Genealogy to peruse all that the library has to offer. In addition to books, DVDs, magazines and newspapers, HCPL also offers public computers, wireless printing, adult and youth activities, InterLibrary loan service, eReaders, meeting space for nonprofits and much more.

If you have yet to get your library card, please stop by to sign up! If you have a question, please email hcpl@hcpl.lib.in.us, give us a call or visit the FAQ page.

Shakespeare and Elizabethan-era education

Book club / By /
A graffiti artwork of famous playwright William Shakespeare in central London, UK.

The Shakespeare Book Club met on Tuesday, January 14. During the meeting, Charles Eckart, former Assistant Professor of English at the Military Academy at West Point, addressed the group and led discussion in their continuing series on Shakespeare. Mr. Eckart spoke about typical Elizabethan schooling programs during Shakespeare’s youth. Schooling at that time would have begun at the age of 4, would have lasted through 6 days of the week, 12 hours each day. Latin grammar and literature were the only subjects studied. Friday mornings were reserved for punishing those students who were caught speaking English instead of Latin while at school. The discussion of Measure for Measure focused on why this is considered a problem play at the same time the tragedies of Hamlet, King Lear and Othello were written.

On February 11, the Shakespeare Book Club will focus on Elizabethan family and societal customs, including discussion of The Merry Wives of Windsor. Close attention will be paid to Falstaff, the character who speaks the most lines of any of Shakespeare’s creations.

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