Sanibel Public Library reopens after temporary closure
Today, the Sanibel Public Library’s building reopened to the public following a deep clean.
Precautions are in place to help protect staff and visitors from COVID-19. Patrons have to maintain social distance inside the building and wear masks, except for those under age 6. Staff has implemented safety and sanitation protocols consistent with the CDC and Florida Department of Health guidelines.
Contact-less curbside service is continuing, with about 40 to 50 bags going out to patrons each weekday; call or go online to place a hold. At this time, no overdue fines are being assessed.
In this year’s Summer Reading Program, Youth Services Librarian Deanna Evans registered 186 readers who logged 80,441 minutes (1,340.68 hours) of reading. As in years past, participants read to earn books for their home library and the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. For every hour of reading, the Sanibel Public Library Foundation matched each book “earned” with a book for patients at the hospital. Since its inception in 2012, participants have helped to contribute close to 10,000 books. The program is funded in part by a grant from the foundation’s Joan Hunt Cory Children’s Fund, which was established in 2008 to honor the longtime library volunteer and supporter.
The library’s “Fill-A-Bag for A Dollar” book sale will continue until inventory is depleted. The books will be restocked daily and can be found in the library’s puzzle area, as well as main entrance areas.
The following youth programs are available online:
– A “Storytime with Ms. Deanna” video, featuring Youth Service Librarian Deanna Evans, will be posted on the library’s youth page, which are replaced each week with a new story read aloud.
– “Baby Storytime Bounce” videos will be available on the library’s youth page. It is a fun session to help to build motor and literacy skills through stories, song and movement.
For more information, visit sanlib.org/children.
For those looking for back-to-school resources, the library offers Mango, an online language learning tool with over 70 languages offered. It can be used on a desktop or mobile device and can be used offline if not on WiFi. Library cardholders can also borrow eBooks and audiobooks via the Hoopla app. Hoopla offers an extensive S.T.E.A.M. collection for children and adults.
Access Encyclopedia Britannica from home. Search its collection of entries, multimedia content, magazine and journal articles, primary sources and e-books, Web resources, and a world atlas. Look up subjects by keyword, or browse among topics. Start at the SPL Resources Webpage at sanlib.org.
Use the Selfie Station in the lobby to take a photo. You can e-mail it to yourself or to friends.
Stop by the main entrance lobby for voter registration forms and applications for mail-in ballots. The forms and applications are available in both English and Spanish.
Use a library computer to complete the 2020 census form; no library card is required.
Library cards are available to residents of Sanibel and Lee County at no charge.
Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee.
The Sanibel Public Library is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, call 239-472-2483 or visit online at www.sanlib.org.
The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road.