Notices

HCPL Safety Protocols

The Harrison County Public Library is committed to serving its patrons and the community in a manner ensuring safety and health.  While there is nothing we’d love more than welcoming you back inside the library, time is needed to put precautions in place to continue to limit the spread of COVID-19.  

With safety as the number one priority the library will reopen in phases.  HCPL continues service while physical facilities are closed to the public through the library website with access to eResources, eBooks, downloadable audio, virtual programming and free Wi-Fi available in each location’s parking lots.

With the support of the Harrison County Health Department and the county commissioners, on May 4, the library began offering contact free curbside pickup of books and DVDs while protecting staff and the community. 

Plans are currently underway to deliver contact free document services such as faxing, copying, printing and scanning. Offering computer service by appointment is being considered.

HCPL will continue to determine what reopening will look like.  In the coming months library service will not look exactly like it did before.  Thank you for your continued patience and support.

 

Employee Self-Assessment

Each morning before coming to work you should do this two question self-assessment:

  1. Do I feel like I have a fever?  (if in doubt take your temperature)
  2. Do I have a persistent cough not related to an allergy or other known condition?

If you answer yes to either question, 

    • call your supervisor and let them know you will not be in.
    • contact your medical professional to find out if you need testing.

Temperature Log

During this period of uncertainty, it would be a good idea to keep a temperature log.  The log will establish an initial baseline.  Set a time in the morning and evening to take your temperature and record it.  Other factors besides illness can cause a change in temperature such as hormones, exposure to heat or cold or exercise.  However, if you are feeling ill and you have a jump in your temperature log that would be an indication you should remain at home and consult your medical professional as noted above.

Illness with a Fever

If you experience an illness with a fever and a cough, you are urged to consult your medical professional and get a COVID test.

Remember

DO NOT ENTER ANY LIBRARY FACILITY if you are feeling sick or if any member of your household is sick.

Do not report to work if you have any of these symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat or headache not related to allergies, shortness of breath, chills or a new loss of sense of taste.

 

Cleaning/Disinfecting Protocols 

  • All returned library materials are cleaned, disinfected and quarantined for 24 hours prior to being shelved.
  • Children’s play materials will be unavailable or limited.
  • Staff are asked to clean and disinfect their work area on arrival and departure.
  • Library janitorial staff have stepped up cleaning procedures and protocols. 
  • If a staff member becomes ill with a confirmed case of COVID-19, that branch will be closed for 24 hours and then disinfected by janitorial staff before reopening.  

 

Hygiene Measures

  • When handling incoming library materials staff will wear gloves.
  • Staff are reminded not to touch their face even when wearing gloves.
  • All staff have been trained in the proper procedure to remove and dispose of gloves.
  • Staff will be asked to wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.  When hand washing is not possible they will be asked to use hand sanitizer.  Posters promoting hand washing are posted in all restrooms.
  • Staff are asked to observe proper sneeze and cough etiquette.  Tissues and trash cans are provided.  Signs explaining proper sneeze and cough etiquette will be posted throughout the library.
  • Staff will wear gloves and masks to deliver materials to cars.
  • Books will be placed in open trunks, empty passenger seats or on car hoods.
  • Each bag of books will include a flier reminding patrons to observe hand hygiene stating that although library materials have been cleaned and quarantined readers should wash their hands before and after handling library materials, avoid touching their mouth and face and refrain from eating while using library materials.

 

Social Distancing

  • When in the building both staff and members of the public will be required to observe social distance of at least six feet. 
  • When entering common areas such as hallways and stairways staff will wear masks.
  • Staff break rooms will be limited to one person at a time.
  • Staff are asked not to congregate in parking lot, break rooms or lobbies.
  • Materials must be returned in book drops and not handed to staff members.
  • Patrons will be asked to remain in their cars during curbside service.
  • Plexiglass barriers and clear liners may be put in place to protect staff and the public.
  • Distancing markers may be placed on the floor in front of service desks to indicate where patrons may safely wait for assistance.

HCPL Safety Protocols Read More »

Help Document the COVID-19 Experience by Telling Your Story

Stay at home orders, social distancing, and PPE — who had heard of these terms three months ago?  Now they are dominating the collective existence.  Help the library preserve the thoughts, feelings and experiences of the Harrison County community during this unprecedented, global pandemic by sharing your story.

Writing is a great way to process what you’re feeling.  The Harrison County Public Library invites you to express yourself by responding to weekly writing prompts and submitting your work from this page. Each week six writing prompts will be posted on the library’s Facebook page and website. You may choose to write from any or all prompts that inspire you and include artwork.  Your submissions will be archived and included in a time capsule, forever immortalizing this moment in our collective history.  

Elementary students from around Harrison County are being asked to complete a booklet, My 2020 Harrison County Covid-19 Booklet, and return it to one of the library branches to create a book for HCPL’s Frederick Porter Griffin Center for Local History and Genealogy and to also be placed in the time capsule.  The booklet can be downloaded here or parents can ask for a printed version at any library location during curbside pickup.

Call the library at 812-738-4110 for more information.

Prompts for the week of May 4:

Kids:

  • How has learning at home been going? Do you like it? Is it easier or harder than at school? Do you think you are learning as much?
  •  What makes you the happiest?

Teens:

  • What extracurricular activity have you missed the most? Sports? (One in which you participated or enjoyed watching) Band? Drama? Clubs?
  • What is your favorite song? Why?

Adults:

  • How has the stay-at-home order impacted your life? Describe your current daily routine. How has it changed?
  • What is your favorite book? Why?

Help Document the COVID-19 Experience by Telling Your Story Read More »

Library Starts Curbside Service

The Harrison County Public Library will offer contact free curbside pickup of books and DVDs beginning Monday, May 4.

“The Harrison County Health Department has approved our plan to keep the public and our staff safe,” said Alisa Burch, library director.  “We have heard from many in our community how much they miss the library and we are very pleased to get the okay to go ahead with curbside service.”

Here is how it works:

  • Patrons may place items they want on hold by using the online card catalog or by calling their local library branch.
  • The library will call patrons when items are ready to pick up.
  • Patrons are asked to call the library when they park in the library lot.  
  • Staff will place the items in the car trunk, empty passenger seat or on the car hood.

“For your safety and the safety of the library staff, we ask you to please remain in the car while your materials are delivered,” explained Burch.  “Our staff will be wearing gloves and masks to be as safe as possible.”

Any items to be returned should be placed in the library book drop before calling the library to pick up holds.  All returned library materials are cleaned, disinfected and quarantined prior to being shelved.

“We are working to make other library services available as safety allows,” added Burch.  “Look for updates on our website and our Facebook page.

Curbside Service Hours by Location

Main Branch – 105 N. Capitol Ave., Corydon – 812-738-4110

Monday-Thursday 10 am – 7:30 pm
Friday & Saturday 10 am – 4:30 pm

Palmyra Branch – 689 Haub St, Palmyra – 812-364-6425

Monday-Thursday 11 am – 7:30 pm
Friday & Saturday 9 am – 4:30 pm

Lanesville Branch – 7340 E. Pennington St., Lanesville- 812-952-3759

Monday-Thursday 12 – 7:30 pm
Friday & Saturday 9 am – 4:30 pm

Elizabeth Branch – 5101 S. Main St, Suite 109, Elizabeth – 812-969-2899

Monday & Thursday 1-6:30 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday 1-7:30 pm
Friday & Saturday 10:30 am – 3:30 pm

Library Starts Curbside Service Read More »

Requests for absentee ballots due by May 21

The primary election in Indiana will now be held on June 2. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Indiana encourages you to vote by absentee ballot.

Hoosiers can now file an application for absentee ballot for the June 2 primary online though http://Indianavoters.com .

Use the “vote by mail or traveling board” button. Click on  visit my voter portal, go to absentee voting/vote by mail on the left side.  This is a direct application – and once completed, your ballot will be sent to you.  It saves the step of printing, completing and mailing in the absentee ballot request.

Please click here to access a printable application for an absentee ballot.

Mail your completed application (if you are printing and mailing your absentee ballot) to:
Harrison County Circuit Clerk Court
Courthouse, Room 203
300 North Capitol Avenue
Corydon, IN 47112-1155

Once the application is received, you will receive your ballot by mail with a prepaid envelope. Absentee ballot application requests are due by May 21. To request an absentee ballot application by phone, please call 812-738-4289.

At this time, Indiana still plans for in-person voting on June 2.

Requests for absentee ballots due by May 21 Read More »

Library Facilities Will Remain Closed through Sunday, May 3, to comply with Governor Holcomb’s Extended Stay at Home Order

There is no doubt we are living in uncertain times.  The Harrison County Public Library wants you to know that no matter what, we are here for you.  That is for certain. While we are all doing our best to flatten the curve by staying and working from home, please know that your library staff are staying connected and working to find new ways to bring you needed information and resources.

As much as HCPL would like to reopen, the health of our community is most important to us. We are working with key leaders to determine the date when it will be safe to reopen. Until then we are always open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.hcpl.lib.in.us with access to eBooks, eMagazines, downloadable audiobooks and other eResources. 

Click here to find up-to-date, reliable COVID-19 information on the library public safety page.

HCPL staff continue to work creating virtual programs from home.  New content is being posted to our Brain Booster Resource page and program videos for adults have been added.

Library Wi-Fi remains on at all library locations and can be accessed outside the buildings and in the back parking lot at the Main Branch in Corydon.

Material due dates are extended until after May 11.  No library materials will be due during the March 17- May 3 closure.

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 for eResources, or by applying for a Digital Access Card for eBooks, eMagazines and audio books.

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

Library Facilities Will Remain Closed through Sunday, May 3, to comply with Governor Holcomb’s Extended Stay at Home Order Read More »

HCPL closure extended to comply with stay-at-home order

With the extension of Governor Eric Holcomb’s “stay at home” order for Hoosiers to slow the spread of COVID-19, Harrison County Public Library facilities will remain closed through Tuesday, April 21.

HCPL is always open 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the HCPL webpage with access to eBooks, eMagazines, downloadable audiobooks and other eResources. Find up-to-date, reliable COVID-19 information on the library public safety page.  A variety of original library content for youth as well as other awesome youth related services can be found on the Brain Booster Resource page.

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 May 3.  No library materials will be due during the March 17- April 21 closure.

Library Wi-Fi remains on at all library locations and can be accessed outside the buildings and in the back parking lot at the Main Branch in Corydon.

During the closure staff will monitor the website’s Ask a Librarian and Contact Us features.  Please click here to visit the library’s Public Safety page for up-to-date information from the library, or  visit the Harrison County Public Library’s Facebook page.

Please stay home and stay well.

HCPL closure extended to comply with stay-at-home order Read More »

2020 Census

Shape Your Future: Complete the 2020 Census

Your answers impact school lunches, plans for highways, support for firefighters, and families in need. Census results greatly affect your community, and the 2020 Census is happening right now.

You can submit your answers online or mail in your response at any time.

Follow these links for more information about the 2020 Census:

Shape Your Future: The 2020 Census

https://youtu.be/LXJz7ZfzAuM

2020 Census: What is the Census?

Shape Your Future: Complete the 2020 Census Read More »

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

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.

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

All library branches are closed

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.

All library branches are closed Read More »

LIBRARY PROGRAMS ARE CANCELED

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

LIBRARY PROGRAMS ARE CANCELED Read More »

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