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Monthly Memo Newsletter | October 2020

ARROWHEAD LIBRARY SYSTEM NEWS

Monthly Circulation Statistics

Total Circulations in September 2020

  • Traditional: 83% 83%
  • OverDrive/Libby: 13% 13%
  • Hoopla Digital: 4% 4%

ALS adopts 24-hour quarantine

Effective October 21, 2020, Arrowhead Library System (ALS) and its public library members will reduce material quarantine times from 96 hours to 24 hours in accordance with the latest recommendations by the Wisconsin Departments of Public Instruction and Health Services. This recommendation was made after state officials evaluated the results of the REALM Project research and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s statement on how the SARS-CoV-2 virus is most often transmitted, which is through inhaled respiratory droplets. 

Patrons browsing or borrowing materials are encouraged to wash their hands before and after use and to avoid touching their mouth, nose, or eyes after touching a library item. These preventative measures, in addition to the 24-hour material quarantine help to mitigate the risk of virus transmission through contact with a potentially contaminated item.

Any patron who is quarantining or awaiting a COVID-19 test result is asked to not return their materials until their quarantine is over or they have received a negative test. In the meantime, patrons can renew materials by phone, online through the catalog, or using the BookMyne app.

Patron and staff safety remains a priority. Arrowhead Library System continues to monitor national and local health guidelines and recommendations.

Recommended Signage for Book Return Locations

Our quarantine procedures meet or exceed Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommendations. All returned items are quarantined prior to check-in.

Items may take several days to clear your account. No fines will be charged for the time items spend in quarantine.

Library Shorts series deemed a success

Library Shorts, the latest programming collaboration by ALS public libraries, premiered Monday, October 12, with new lessons posted daily through October 17th. These five to 10-minute videos geared toward four to ten-year-olds share a monthly theme and each tackle a different school subject.

Originally slated for a three-month run, Library Shorts will now take place monthly for the foreseeable future. Both staff and patrons have found this series enjoyable and educational.

As of 1:30 pm on October 29, the October Library Shorts videos have been viewed 108 times.

November’s them is “Community” and we’ll use mapmaking, firefighting, crafts, relay races, and more to explore this topic! Videos will be released daily at 8:00 a.m. November 9-14.

Two Ways to Watch Videos

sample of supply list

Resource refresher: get to know these great system resources

Brainfuse HelpNow

Brainfuse HelpNow for Libraries offers tutoring and powerful learning tools: expert help, study suite, collaboration tools and an adult learning center.

  • K-12, College, and Adult
  • GED, SAT, ACT, etc.
  • Live Tutoring
  • Collaboration Tools
  • Citizenship Test Prep
  • And more

Creativebug

Creativebug offers 1000+ high-quality, on-trend arts and crafts instructional videos on-demand. Classes are for artists and makers of all levels.

  • Kids, Teens, Adults
  • Art & Design
  • Sewing
  • Quilting
  • Paper
  • Knitting
  • Crochet
  • Food & Home
  • Jewelry
  • Holiday & Party
  • Kids

Learn more about Creativebug.

LearningExpress Library Website

LearningExpress Library helps students and adult learners improve the skills required for academic and career success.

  • College, Adult, & Career Skills & Preparation
  • H.S. Equivalency & College Admissions Test Preparation – ACT, SAT, etc.
  • Classroom/Homework Skill Building
  • Career & Citizenship Preparation in Spanish

Learn more about LearningExpress Library.

Gale Courses

Choose from over 365 free, 6-week, online classes, led by professional instructors.

  • Professional Development
  • Technology Skills
  • Personal Enrichment
  • Test Preparation

Learn more about Gale Courses.

Lynda.com App and Website

View thousands of professionally produced video tutorials taught by industry experts anytime, anywhere.

  • Software Training
  • Creative Fields
  • Business Skills

Learn more about Lynda.com.

Transparent Language App and Website

Combining extensive courses and supplemental resources for over 100 languages, including English, Transparent Language Online is the most complete language-learning system.

  • Vocabulary & Grammar
  • Listening & Speaking
  • Reading & Writing Skills

Learn more about Transparent Language.

STATE & NATIONAL NEWS

Wisconsin Library Association to host Virtual Trivia! Fundraiser

Banner: Trivia Night

Join WLA for Virtual Trivia to support the WLAF! Join the Wisconsin Library Association Foundation for a fun, entertaining and educational trivia event! WLA’s 90-minute contest allows you to play solo or on up to 4-person teams! The winning team will be awarded complimentary registration to the 2021 WLA Annual Conference! 

Email any questions to wla@wisconsinlibraries.org or call the office at 608.245.3640.

ALS MEETING CALENDAR

SHARE Directors’ Council:
Tuesday, November 10, 9:30 a.m.
online.

Board of Trustees Meeting:
Wednesday, November 11, 6:00 p.m. at online.

Librarians Meeting:
Wednesday, November 18, 9:30 a.m. online.

CONTACT US

Steve Platteter

System Director
608-868-2872
Email: platteter.steve@als.lib.wi.us

Tovah Anderson

Public Information Coordinator
608-868-2872
Email: Anderson.tovah@als.lib.wi.us

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