Branches open to public
To help ensure the safety of the staff and patrons, library staff has modified public areas and changed certain procedures to comply with state and federal guidelines for reopening.
Temporary change in hours and building capacities are as follows:
• Camden Branch —10 patrons at a time, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, noon-8 p.m.; Tuesday, 2-8 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Eaton Branch —10 patrons at a time, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Eldorado Branch — five patrons at a time. Tuesday and Thursday, noon-6 p.m., Saturday, 1-4 p.m.
• New Paris Branch —five patrons at a time, Monday-Wednesday, 2-7 p.m.; Friday, noon-4 p.m.
• Preble County Room —two patrons at a time (call ahead, 937-456-4970, for reservations) Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• West Alexandria Branch, five patrons at a time, Monday-Wednesday, noon-6 p.m., Friday, noon-4 p.m.
• West Elkton Branch, three patrons at a time, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 1-6 p.m.
• West Manchester Branch, two patrons at a time, Monday and Wednesday, noon-6 p.m. and Saturday,9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Important notes about the library’s reopening:
• The first hour of each day will be reserved for seniors and those who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
• Children ages 15 and under must always be accompanied by an adult guardian while in the Library.
• Building capacities have been lowered to ensure social distancing can be maintained.
• Returned items will be quarantined for at least 72 hours. This means that they will still show on your account for 3-4 days after you return them. No late fines will accrue.
• SEO holds and deliveries are suspended until further notice.
• Each patron will be limited to 30 minutes per day on the computer. Only one person will be allowed at the computer at a time. No headphones will be available at the computers. If you need audio, please bring your own headphones.
• If you require one-on-one computer help, you will be required to wear a mask.
• There will be no in-building programs offered at this time. We encourage you to connect with us on Facebook where recorded programming is being offered.
• Seating will be limited, and we will be discouraging leisure reading and studying at this time.
• Table space will also be limited.
• All library toys, games, puppets, and stuffed animals have been lovingly stored for future use.
• Meeting rooms will not be available.
• All previously scheduled meetings have been canceled.
• The Preble County Room asks that patrons make an appointment to visit their location. Walk-ins are welcome, but preference will be given to appointments made in advance.
For the comfort and safety of staff and patrons, we have put the following safety measures in place:
• All items must be returned to the outdoor book drops only.
• All returned items are quarantined for at least 72 hours.
• Library staff will wear face coverings while working.
• Library staff will wear gloves when handling materials.
• Library staff will have training in new protocols before the Library reopens.
• Library staff will participate in daily health assessments.
• Library staff will practice regular hand washing.
• Plexiglas shields will be put in place at all service desks.
• Social distancing measures have been put in place.
• A cleaning/sanitizing schedule has been put in place for open hours.
• Furniture has been moved or removed to allow for social distancing.
What we ask of those coming into the Library:
•Respect social distancing guidelines by maintaining a 6-foot space between yourself and other patrons and staff.
• All patrons are required to wear a mask per the governor’s most recent order, effective 7/23/20. Should a patron claim a medical disability which precludes the use of a mask, that patron will be granted reasonable use of library facilities upon presentment of written proof from a legitimate medical provider that the patron will or may suffer health consequences if required to wear a face covering for any period of time. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided to you.
• Use the hand sanitizer provided by the library before and after any circulation transactions.
• Please stay home if you are not feeling well or have any symptoms associated with COVID-19.
Curb-side pick-up and online programming will continue. Please call your branch or visit our website to request items for no-contact pick-up.
Free Masks at the Library!
The Preble County District Library has put measures in place to keep you safe while you visit, and one of those is requiring our staff to wear masks when interacting with you. We ask that you do the same when you visit us at your local branch. If you don’t have a mask, we will provide a reusable one for you to keep! A huge THANK YOU goes out to the Preble Co. Emergency Management Association for the generous donation. To learn more about what we are doing to keep our patrons and staff safe, visit https://bit.ly/covidpcdl
Book A Librarian from Home – Wednesdays 1-4 p.m.
Did you just purchase a new laptop or eReader and need a quick introductory lesson? Did you recently reenter the workforce amid the COVID-19 pandemic and need resume assistance? Our Reference Librarian Emily can help you with your needs! Send us your question/request on Facebook or online on Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m.: www.bit.ly/askpcdl If you send in a request outside of these hours, she will answer you as soon as possible.
Library Announces COVID-19 Archival Project
The library is happy to announce the launch of the COVID-19 Archival Project! Help us preserve and document history during these unprecedented times so that our future generations can look back and learn from our experiences.
Send in your submissions here: https://bit.ly/COVIDpcdl
Download the paper form here: https://bit.ly/COVIDprint
Share your stories, pictures, experiences, and more of life during the Coronavirus pandemic with us. Pictures of signs, inside of stores, special events, community events, and anything similar pertaining to COVID-19 and its effects in Preble County is the primary focus of this project. The archival project is not limited to just pictures; journal entries and diary entries of Preble County citizens are also a fantastic addition to our project as well as recipes, first-hand stories, screenshots of social media posts, captures of classroom work given online, daily schedules of parents working from home, or even videos or recordings of events, classes, etc. from the community that show changes in society due to the virus.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Now Available in Preble County
United Way of the Greater Dayton Area, Preble County District Library, and the Dayton Foundation have partnered with the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library to bring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Preble County. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school, no matter their family’s income. It is available in Preble County, and you can sign your child up for FREE here: https://ohioimaginationlibrary.org/enroll
Teddy Bear Take Home – Adopt a Fuzzy Friend! (for birth-12 years, please register)
Your Preble County District Library branch has a batch of teddy bears that are looking for new homes! Check out the library Facebook page (@PrebleLibrary) on August 17th to see what the fuzzy friends have been up to while hanging out at the library!
Sign Up For A Digital Library Card! Read, Listen, Stream, and Watch Your Favorite Titles for Free!
Sign up for a temporary Digital PCDL Card to access Ohio Digital Library resources from your home! Digital cards stay active for 60 days, and can easily be converted into a regular library card later at a branch in order to check out physical materials. Sign up is free and easy at http://preblelibrary.org. How do I sign up for a digital card? Video walkthrough available here: https://bit.ly/pcdlcardsignup.
Once you’ve signed up for a temporary card, visit https://bit.ly/pcdlstreaming to download Hoopla and Libby. Hoopla allows you 15 monthly downloads to instantly read, listen, and stream movies, shows, comic books, and more. In addition, they have also released a list of bonus borrows that don’t count against your limit. Libby allows you to listen to and read books on your device. Need help with your eLessons? Access the library’s learning databases from home at http://preblelibrary.org/referencedesk
Camden Branch Events
Paper Bag Unicorn Craft [Virtual]
Imagine Your Story with Miss Toni’s paper bag unicorn! Use this lovely unicorn as a puppet, toy, or as the main character in your newest story. Printable how-to guide: https://bit.ly/0628pcdl Facebook event: https://buff.ly/3es6rXD (case-sensitive)
Learn How to Make Rapunzel’s Castle with Popsicle Sticks [Virtual]
Have you ever read the German fairy tale Rapunzel by Brothers Grimm? Miss Toni came up with a craft to celebrate the story! Printable How-to guide: https://bit.ly/0625pcdl
Eaton Branch Events
August Teen Book Club – Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake
Teen Book Club is now meeting online! Our August book is Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake. Teens in grades 6-12 can request a free copy from their branch while supplies last… OR check out a digital copy on Hoopla Digital! Read the book and join us on Goodreads ( bit.ly/pcdlTBC ) to discuss it with other teens! Monthly reading selections vary by genre, topic, and age. Some young adult books may contain mature language and themes, so reader discretion is advised. Participants unable to register for Goodreads may e-mail their reading responses to [email protected] to have their participation counted.
Fancy Focaccia Bread Recipe [Virtual]
Move over sourdough and welcome this new trendy bread recipe into your life. Using a basic focaccia* recipe and some veggies and herbs, create a work of art that is good enough to eat! This is a fun activity to do as a family and the finished product is beautiful and delicious. There are so many ways to change this recipe up! Try infusing your oil with garlic and herbs before brushing it on your dough. Let us know if you tried out this new bread trend! Download a printable recipe guide here (PDF): https://bit.ly/06182pcdl
Broken Record Wall Art [Virtual]
Please contact Emily at 937-456-4331 if you would like supplies to complete this craft on your own. First come, first serve! For a printable instruction sheet and more information, visit https://bit.ly/060512pcdl.
Eldorado Branch Events
Paper Story Cube Craft for Kids [Virtual]
#ImagineYourStory with these paper story blocks! Your kiddos can decorate the blocks to make them their own and then roll the blocks to create a storyline. What’s left in between is up to you or your child’s imagination. Paper Story Cube Instructions with printable templates available for free here: https://bit.ly/0713pcdl
Flower Fairy Coloring Page [Virtual]
A shy flower fairy has come out to say hello! She thinks May is the perfect time for a makeover. Give her some color and share it with the library on social media! Make sure to use #PCDLib and tag us @PrebleLibrary. Download the coloring page here: https://bit.ly/05212pcdl
New Paris Branch Events
Pop Tab Armor: Time to be a Warrior! [Virtual]
Outfit the noblest of knights and dames! Miss Cris will show you how to make a chainmail weave using pull tabs from soda cans. Many great things can be made with pop tabs: bracelets and jewelry, purses, curtains, lamp shades, sculpture, and fashion. Making armor fits well with our summer reading theme, also! You can save soda pop tabs, or buy them online. Follow the pictures in the printable guide. With a few simple steps, you will be well on your way to creating something amazing! Printable guide w/ pictures here: https://bit.ly/0723pcdl
July Cyber LEGO® Club – Balloon Powered Vehicle [Virtual]
Hello Builders! The July Cyber LEGO® Club challenge is to build a balloon-powered vehicle! In this construction, you will be exploring Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action (force) in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction. For more information and instructions, visit https://bit.ly/cyberlegoclubweb.
Neon Night Bowling and Ring Toss [Virtual]
Inside, outside, back yard fun, or camping, Neon Bowling is a quick and easy activity for an outdoor holiday celebration or anytime family entertainment! Just grab some recycled water bottles (we played a 6-pin game). Fill each bottle with a half an inch of tap water for stability. Printable game instruction sheet here: https://bit.ly/0626pcdl
Family Canvas Art Craft [Virtual]
Have fun making a one of a kind piece of art with Miss Lisa! Encourage your children to clean up their rooms and to make some cool art for their walls or another area of the home with this fun project for children of all ages. Download a how-to guide with pictures here: https://bit.ly/0608pcdl Facebook event: https://bit.ly/0609pcdl
West Alexandria Branch Events
Reading Challenge – W. Alexandria
Do you like a good challenge? Do you like exploring new books, movies, genres, or activities? This event is for you. Complete one letter of this challenge board by completing all five activities in that column. For each letter column you complete, submit the form for those challenges to earn an entry in the prize drawing. Anyone of any age may complete this board to earn entries. Prizes donated by West Alexandria Friends of the Library. Feel free to share your pictures of your activities or tell us about your favorite challenge.
- Challenge Boards (case-sensitive):
- A-Z Book Challenge https://bit.ly/2ZYKYkN
- Fun Activities To Do #1 https://bit.ly/3eH5ESr
- Children’s Books #1 https://bit.ly/2XT0xb8
- Listen To Music Albums/CDs https://bit.ly/2U3G8Pc
- Movie Challenge https://bit.ly/3gPmyzZ
- Variety of Challenges #1 https://bit.ly/3cpee6J
West Elkton Branch Events
Paper Helicopter Craft [Virtual]
Paper helicopters are not only a fun toy you can make, but they are also a science experiment that demonstrates thrust, drag, and gravity! Download a how-to guide: https://bit.ly/0702pcdl Facebook event: https://buff.ly/2YIs4xt (case-sensitive)
Friendly Dinosaur Craft [Virtual]
Do you want to build a dino? This little dinosaur paper craft is sure to put a smile on you and your child’s face. Download a printable instruction sheet (PDF): https://bit.ly/0618pcdl Facebook event: https://bit.ly/061212pcdl
West Manchester Branch Events
Paper Story Cube Craft for Kids [Virtual]
#ImagineYourStory with these paper story blocks! Your kiddos can decorate the blocks to make them their own and then roll the blocks to create a storyline. What’s left in between is up to you or your child’s imagination. Paper Story Cube Instructions with printable templates available for free here: https://bit.ly/0713pcdl
Flower Fairy Coloring Page [Virtual]
A shy flower fairy has come out to say hello! She thinks May is the perfect time for a makeover. Give her some color and share it with the library on social media! Make sure to use #PCDLib and tag us @PrebleLibrary. Download the coloring page here: https://bit.ly/05212pcdl
