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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 8, 2020

Contact: Jill Schacter jschacter@cityofevanston.org

Main Library Opens for Computer Use Beginning July 14; More Services to Follow in the Coming Weeks

On Tuesday, July 14, Evanston Public Library will move from its current service Level 1 to Service Level 2. This move is prompted by the State of Illinois' move to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan. The elements of Service Level 2 will occur in a slow and steady rollout, prioritizing above all the health and safety of both the Evanston community and our staff.

In the early implementation of Service Level 2, patrons can expect:

Access to technology at the Main Library with computers, printing, and internet access, for one 45-minute session per day, beginning Tuesday, July 14.  Up to 10 patrons at a time may use this service on a first come, first serve basis. Printing will be free-of-charge and limited to 10 pages per person per day. (Larger quantities at 2o¢ per page). Staff can provide limited assistance; the use of computers is mostly self-service. 

Masks, physical distancing, and temperature-taking will be required to enter and use the Main Library; masks will be provided to those without them. Computer stations, tables and chairs will be disinfected between each use. Hand sanitizer will be provided. Service hours for technology access are: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 3 pm; Wednesday: 3 pm to 8 pm. The use of computers/printing will take place in the first floor Community Meeting Room.

Contact-free curbside pickup of materials will continue by appointment. Get more details.

Book drops are open to accept returns at the Main Library, Monday through Thursday from 7 AM to 4 PM.

Library in the Parks. Library staff will visit Evanston parks weather permitting, and practicing social distancing while giving out activity bags with a free book and craft materials, as well as free beach passes for teens in grades 6 through 12.

The parks schedule is: 11:30 am to 1 pm

Robert Crown, Mondays, through August 10

Fleetwood-Jourdain, Tuesdays, through August 11

Mason Park, Wednesdays, through August 12

Kamen Park, Thursdays, through August 13

In the next phase of Service Level 2, within just a few weeks, patrons can expect: 

• More services inside the Main Library including browsing, selecting and checking out of physical materials, with restrictions on occupancy limits, social distancing, and mask requirements, and limitations on length of visit.
• The opening of the Robert Crown Branch for computer use, browsing, selecting and checking out of physical materials, with restrictions on occupancy limits, social distancing, and mask requirements, and limitations on length of visit. 
• All meeting rooms, study spaces, and seating areas will remain closed. 
• Specific hours for vulnerable patrons.
• The Library is prepared to move back to earlier service stages if we think the health, safety, and well-being of our staff and community members requires it.

To learn more: 

Read our Reopening Plan and our Most Frequently Asked Questions.

About the Evanston Public Library

For more than 140 years, the Library has provided educational, culturally-rich resources for all residents, helped children prepare for school through the joys of reading and learning, celebrated Evanston’s diversity, and helped residents find information they seek. The Library is more than a building of books; it is a place to meet, connect, learn and explore. To learn more, visit www.epl.org.