Blaine County Library

As we enter Phase Two Plans a few things will change at the library, but most of the Phase One restrictions will remain. We continue to ask patrons not to enter the library if you are sick. We strongly encourage everyone to wear a mask, but we will not be requiring them to enter. We will continue to require hand washing upon entering the building, prior to any computer use or book browsing. We know that transmission of COVID-19 is possible before symptoms appear and using a face covering and washing hands are ways to stop the spread. Patrons must practice social distancing while in the library and only one at a time will be allowed at the circulation desk. We only have half of our computers available for use to comply with social distancing. Patron capacity will be monitored. Each patron will be allowed 30 minutes per day in the library. There will be no toys, puzzles or blocks available. The meeting room will not be available for public use. Programs will be offered but will be modified to comply with social distancing. Staff will continue to sanitize surfaces between patrons. We will continue to sanitize, and quarantine returned items. The quarantine period will be lowed from 9 days to 3 days in compliance with currently approved procedures.

Anyone who does not wish to enter the library can continue to get materials through curbside delivery, home delivery or through the mail. If you are in a high-risk group but would like to come to the library, please call and we will arrange a time for you to come in. Our goal is to provide the best service we can while maintaining the health and safety of staff and patrons.

It is extremely important to keep kids reading throughout the summer to prevent the summer slide and even though our weekly programs will be modified, rest assured we will continue to encourage kids to read and participate in our modified programs. The library has partnered with the Chinook Public Schools and will be offering a program Monday and Wednesday during the summer lunch service. We will have a Story Walk on the lawn in front of the Meadowlark from 12:00 to 1:30. We will be offering a Take and Make craft and we will have books available for checkout as well as a box of free books. Kids can register for the Summer Reading Program during this time. They can also register at the library during regular business hours. We are doing things a bit different this year with prizes. We are encouraging kids to “Read for our Community” and all the prizes are from local businesses. For every 2 hours read kids will get a sucker. Once they reach the 5-hour level, they will get a snack bar from Finley’s Food Farm. For 10 hours of reading they will receive a gift certificate to The Creamery and for 20 hours of reading they will receive a gift certificate to Rad’s Deli. When they return their 2-hour slips, they can write their name and phone number on the back and place it a drawing box for one of 3 big prizes. They can choose from a Simon Optix, a Fortnite X Super Soaker, or a Magic Drawing Pad and Tic Tac Toe Game, all purchased from Ace Hardware.

Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. we will offer a Storytime program on the grass in front of the Grande Villa for ages 6 and under. It is geared toward a younger audience, but children of all ages are welcome to attend. We ask that you bring a blanket and have at least one parent or care giver. Keep a social distance of six feet and remain on your blanket throughout the program.

We will have Beat the Heat movies on Thursdays. There will be limited seating available to comply with social distancing. We will offer 2 showings of the movie the first from 12:30 to 2:00 and the second from 2:30 to 4:00. Children under 6 must have a parent or caregiver present during the movie. Reservations are recommended. Anyone without a reservation will be admitted on a first come/ first served basis.

We would like to remind everyone that the library is a Be Counted location for the Montana 2020 Census. If you have not filled out your Census form, stop in and we can get you set up to file your Census online. You do not need the card with your personal number that the Census mailed to fill out the form online. All you need to get started is your physical address.