​SPECIAL NOTICE

The latest news and update as it relates to the Library. 
​UPDATED JUNE 1, 2020

On May 25, 2020, the Board of Trustees approved a COVID-19 Continuation of Service (COS) Plan in anticipation of the phased-in reopening of the Rensselaerville Library.
 
The COS Plan consists of multiple levels of library operations and service to our patrons and community.  At all times during each level, the fundamental driver for moving forward will be the health and safety of the library staff and members of the public based on Federal, State, and County recommendations and guidelines.
 
On March 16, 2020, we entered Level 1 of the plan, closing the library building while continuing the highest level of library services possible.  Those services included enhanced 24/7 wifi access, additional digital content providers and e-content, virtual programming, and expanded community outreach through social media and other digital formats.
 
As of May 26, 2020, we have entered Level 2 of the COS Plan. We are reintroducing staff to the building and orienting them to all-new safety protocols and procedures.  The building and the collection are being cleaned and sanitized, and furnishings reorganized to provide for safe physical distancing.
 
On June 9, the library will enter Level 3 of the COS Plan during which time we will begin providing “Front Porch Services.”  The staff will be onsite Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00am-2:00pm to fill online, email, and phone orders for library materials and accept drop-off items for check-in.  More details about Front Porch Services will be provided on our website and via social media and other digital outlets soon.
 
Level 3 will remain in effect until we determine it is safe to advance to Level 4 when slightly expanded library services will be available by appointment only.
 
Each successive level will expand both hours of operations and library services until we reach Post-Pandemic Level 7.  The plan is gradual and flexible, allowing us to move forward, or backward, through the plan as health and safety guidelines dictate.  The plan may be amended as needed, but any changes will first and foremost be guided by the health and safety needs of our Staff, Patrons, and Community. During all levels, masks will be required on the Library premises until determined otherwise by the Library based on Federal, State and County health and safety guidelines.
 
Hard copies of the full plan are available in the enclosed bulletin board on the front porch of the Library.  It can also be downloaded at our website at www.rensselaervillelibrary.org.  Any questions should be directed to Heidi Carle, Library Director, by email at director@rensselaervillelibrary.org.

UPDATED APRIL 18, 2020

The extension of the Governor's PAUSE order means that all libraries in the Upper Hudson Library System - ours included - have extended their closure dates until further notice.  As these extensions occur, the library system continues to extend due dates until libraries can open again. 

In the meantime, library staff are checking the drop-off box regularly if you would like to drop off your borrowed items.

All updated information will be posted in the library newsletter and on Facebook as it becomes available.

UPDATED MARCH 24, 2020

While remaining hopeful that this isn’t a long-term situation, we have decided, after careful consideration, to extend our closures beyond the originally stated date of March 31. As of now, Rensselaerville Library will be closed until further notice to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  Due to the rapidly-changing nature of this public health crisis, the Library feels it is best to keep our reopening date open-ended, rather than share hypothetical dates that, by necessity, might need to shift. Also, all programs previously scheduled for April have been cancelled. We hope you understand and we will update you as soon as possible.
 
Recognizing the impact that extended closures will have on you, all materials borrowed from our library and through the Upper Hudson Library System will now be due on or after May 1, 2020.  Staff will continue to check the drop-off box if you would like to return items sooner. 
 
We encourage all of you to explore the online resources that are available to you 24/7 throughout the year.  You can follow the links provided on our website at www.rensselaervillelibrary.org or go directly to the Upper Hudson Library System's Resources for Library Users During COVID-19 Outbreak by clicking the button below. 
 
We miss all of you and look forward to the time we can open our doors to you once more.  Keep in touch! Sign up here for our newsletter.  “Like” us on Facebook for further updates and additional resources.  Email us at library@rensselaervillelibrary.org.  We’d love to hear from you.
We miss all of you and look forward to the time we can open our doors to you once more.  Keep in touch! Sign up here for our newsletter.  “Like” us on Facebook for further updates and additional resources.  Email us at library@rensselaervillelibrary.org.  We’d love to hear from you.