What’s new
Browsing Appointments, Curbside Pickup, Computer Appointments and Printing/Copying Now Available
We are happy to say we’ve taken another step toward reopening, and are now able to offer the following services:
Browsing appointments
- 25 minute appointments available Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10am-noon and 3-5pm
- You can make appointments by phone (385-3645) or online.
- Please note that out of concern for the health and safety of our patrons, we have removed the newspapers and magazines from the reading room. Magazines can still be checked out
- Wear your face mask inside the library (we’ll have extras on hand while supplies last)
- Keep a 6-foot distance between you and others
Curbside pickup
- Place holds by phone, email or using the catalog
- We will call you when the items are ready to be picked up
- Appointments are available Monday 7-8am, and Tuesday & Thursday 9am-6pm
- At this time we are limiting pickup appointments to one per week
- For complete details see our FAQs
Computer/copier appointments
- 55 minute appointments available Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30am, 1:30pm or 3:30pm
- You can make appointments by phone (385-3645) or online
- Wear your face mask inside the library (we’ll have extras on hand while supplies last)
- Keep a 6-foot distance between you and others
Note on returning items
Things are a bit confusing in the SELCO region as some libraries are closed and some are starting to open. Here’s what you need to know about due dates and returning items
- SELCO has turned due dates back on and you may start seeing notices about items being due or overdue.
- Until we formally re-open (i.e., reach Phase 3 of our reopening plan) then anything you checked out from us and that you physically return to our library will be checked in as if you returned it on the day we closed – March 27 (that’s why we are saying no overdue fees will accrue while we are closed)
- Until we re-open for browsing (no sooner than June 12) then we are happy, at your request, to renew any of our items that you have checked out from us. We may not be able to do so with items you checked out from other libraries.
- Our book drop is open 24/7 but we are not currently accepting returns at the curbside pickup table. Please note that items you retun in the bookdrop will be placed in quarantine for a minimum of several days after you place them in the bookdrop. Thus items you have returned may still show as checked out to you. this will NOT result in any late fees – we will make sure to backdate quarantined items when they are checked in.
Please note these processes are subject to change.
While We Are Closed
Hello, library patrons and families,
As the challenges presented by COVID-19 continue to change rapidly, the library and the Ciy of Red Wing’s top priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of our patrons, our staff, and our community. As such, in order to prevent and mitigate the spread of this virus, the Red Wing Public Library is currently closed to patrons until, at minimum, Monday, March 30.
Though the library building is closed, access to our Wifi network will remain active 24 hours a day. The network signal extends as far as John Rich Park, and everyone is welcome to access it as they need. The network name is Red Wing Public Library and the password is rwplwifi.
All due dates will be postponed until we open again and patrons will not be charged any late fines during the time we are closed.
Because the order for us to close came so suddenly, many of you did not have time to pick up items you had requested or stock up on books, movies, and other materials to prepare for school closures and the current recommended social distancing. In the interest of providing the best service we are able while still minimizing the risk to our patrons and staff, we are offering the ability for patrons to request materials that are owned by and in stock at the Red Wing Public Library at the time of request, as well as pick up any existing holds that are currently waiting for you.
If you or a family member can pick your hold items up at the library by 5:00 PM on Wednesday March 18, we will have a curbside delivery service running. How does this work? You walk or pull up to the library, call us at (651) 385-3642 to let us know you are outside, give us your full name and/or the name of the family members you are picking up holds for, and we will bring your bag of items out to you, all checked out and ready to go. Just like any items you currently have checked out, there is no need to return them until we re-open – there will be no late fees.
Should you wish to return any materials during our closure, our book drop, located directly outside the East Avenue entrance, will remain open 24 hours a day.
For those of you looking for things to read, listen to and watch while we are closed – don’t worry! You can still get eBooks and eAudiobooks from us, as well as streaming video, all available from our website at https://redwing.lib.mn.us. And if you are a really heavy reader, you can still request and check out (before Wednesday at 5:00 PM) one of our Kindles, each of which contains dozens or even hundreds of books. If you need assistance with downloading eBooks to a Kindle, or have other questions for us, we will be answering your phone calls as best we are able between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, for the duration of our closure. You may also send an email to rwpl@selco.info if you need assistance or have questions.
Please note that during our closure, we are NOT accepting any book donations.
Thank you all for your patience and understanding as we navigate this health crisis together. We are grateful to be a part of such a supportive community, and appreciate each and every one of our library patrons.
Stay healthy, everyone!
Sincerely,
The Red Wing Public Library Staff