The Knowlton Library Restoration Project FAQs

 

WHEN WILL THE KNOWLTON LIBRARY BE OPEN?

Reopening the Library remains a high priority and it is our desire to open as soon as possible. The safety of library patrons and staff are very important to us, which is why the building cannot be occupied while construction is taking place. We know you are eager to have the Library open and we hope to be able to do so when we can do it safely. Before we can reopen, we need to have water available for bathrooms and drinking fountains, as well as data lines for phones and internet access.

So, while we don’t have a specific date for reopening, we will continually update on the Library website and social media page as information becomes available.

View photos of our progress:

December 2022  

January 2023  

February 2023  

March 2023  

April 2023

May 2023  

June 2023  

July 2023  

August 2023    

 

WILL YOU BE CLOSED DURING RESTORATION?

Due to the extent of the water damage in the building, it is deemed necessary to close the Knowlton Library to the public for the duration of the restoration project. For safety reasons, the building cannot be occupied while construction is taking place. Even though the Knowlton Library is temporarily closed, we will continue offering most library services at the five branches located in DeGraff, Lakeview, Rushsylvania, West Liberty, and West Mansfield.

 

HOW LONG WILL THE RESTORATION TAKE?

The clean-up efforts started the same day of the water damage on December 25, 2022. As of right now, we do not have a confirmed reopening date. We will continually update the website and social media as information becomes available. We are making progress, but our timeline is dependent on resolution of insurance claims, the availability of construction materials, library equipment, and furnishings.

 

CAN I STILL REQUEST ITEMS FROM OTHER LIBRARIES?

Yes. We will still send and receive holds from the 98 library systems in the SEO Consortium throughout 49 counties across Ohio.

 

WILL THE STAFF STAY ON DURING THE RESTORATION? WHAT WILL THEY DO?

Yes, you will see the same friendly faces from the Knowlton Library, working at our branch locations. Since the Library will continue to operate – just in different branch locations – we will still have normal operations and job functions to perform.  A few of the library staff will be working to assist the Logan County History Center with cataloging and filing archival documents.

 

WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS AT THE BRANCHES?

We offer extended hours at our five branch locations located in DeGraff, Lakeview, Rushsylvania, West Liberty, and West Mansfield. Please check our Library website at www.logancountylibraries.org/branches for updated hours at our branch locations - hours may vary from branch to branch.

 

WHERE CAN I PARK AT THE BRANCHES?

All branches provide street parking for your convenience.

 

WHERE CAN I RETURN MY LIBRARY MATERIALS?

The book drop is now open at Knowlton Library and Library materials can be returned there or at any of our branch locations.

 

WHERE CAN I PICK UP MY HOLDS?

We will still offer holds pickup service at our five branch locations and also using the 24/7 Pickup Lockers at the Knowlton Library while it is closed. Just select your preferred pickup location when placing holds. 

 

WHEN WILL THE PICKUP LOCKERS AT THE KNOWLTON LIBRARY OPEN?

The pickup lockers are currently open. To place a hold for pickup at the lockers, select “Knowlton Lockers” as the Pickup Library on the hold request.

 

WHERE CAN I FAX A DOCUMENT, MAKE A COPY, SCAN A DOCUMENT, OR PRINT FROM MY PHONE?

All branches have fax machines, copiers, printers, and scanners. For a nominal fee, you can send and receive faxes, print from public computers or phone, and make copies. Scanning is free.

 

HOW LONG CAN I USE A PUBLIC COMPUTER IN THE LIBRARY?

The public computers at the branches are limited to 60 minutes per person. Time can be extended with permission if there is no one waiting to use it. The public computers will shut down 10 minutes before the branch closes.

 

HOW CAN I GET A LIBRARY CARD?

You can get a free library card at any of our branch locations (proof of name and address required). To find out how to get a digital library card for digital materials visit: https://logancountylibraries.org/how-get-digital-library-card-use-online-services

 

WHERE CAN I FIND TAX FORMS?

Links to tax forms can be found at: https://logancountylibraries.org/tax-information

 

WHO ARE THE CONTRACTORS WORKING ON THE KNOWLTON LIBRARY RESTORATION?

SERVPRO of Central Auglaize/Hardin/Logan Counties was hired for the cleanup phase. Link Construction Group is leading the reconstruction phase. Library Design Associates is assisting with ordering and placement of new furnishings.

 

WILL I BE CHARGED A LATE FEE WHILE THE KNOWLTON LIBRARY IS CLOSED?

All branches will be fine-free until the Knowlton Library reopens.

 

IS CURBSIDE SERVICE AVAILABLE?

Yes, curbside service is available at all the branch locations while the Knowlton Library is closed.

 

ARE YOU ACCEPTING DONATED ITEMS?

No, we are not accepting donated materials due to limited storage. Champaign County Library may accept your donations. Please call them at 937-653-3811.

 

WILL CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING CONTINUE?

Yes! Story Times will be offered at the branches and outdoor locations in Bellefontaine. Family programs will be held at various locations throughout Logan County. Please check our Events Calendar for program information and locations.

 

WILL YOU HAVE ADULT & TEEN PROGRAMS? 

Adult book discussions will continue to be held at off-site locations. Dungeons & Dragons Club meets virtually throughout the year and in-person during the summer. 

 

WILL YOU HAVE MEETING ROOM SPACE AVAILABLE FOR THE PUBLIC TO USE?

No, we will not have meeting room space available until the Knowlton Library reopens. Contact our branches for information on meeting spaces throughout Logan County.

 

WHERE WILL YOUR LIBRARY TRUSTEE BOARD MEETINGS TAKE PLACE?

Our library board meetings will be held in-person in the Barnwell Boardroom at the Knowlton Library. Please check the Events Calendar for meeting dates.s.

 

CAN I REQUEST A BOOK FOR THE LIBRARY TO PURCHASE?

Yes, you can still suggest a book title for the Library to purchase. Your suggestion will be given to a staff member for consideration.

 

ARE YOU STILL PURCHASING NEW LIBRARY MATERIALS DURING THE CLOSURE?

The purchasing of new library materials is currently limited due to space limitations for receiving and processing them.

 

HOW CAN I HELP? 

We appreciate your willingness to assist the Library, but we are not currently able to accommodate volunteers. If you would like to help in another way, donations are always welcome.

 

CAN I ACCESS WIFI FROM OUTSIDE THE KNOWLTON LIBRARY?

The WiFi at the Knowlton Library is currently not available. However, WiFi is available at all branch locations during normal hours of operation.

 

WHERE CAN I BORROW A WIFI HOTSPOT?

Hotspots can be picked up and returned at any branch location. If one is not available, a hold can be placed.

 

WHERE CAN I RECEIVE ASSISTANCE WITH DATABASES, USING MY ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND OTHER REFERENCE QUESTIONS?

The library staff at the branches can assist you with your questions and learning needs. You can also email staff at info@logancountylibraries.org

 

CAN YOU HELP ME WITH LOCAL HISTORY OR GENEALOGY QUESTIONS?

Yes. Our qualified staff at the branches can help you locate local history or genealogy resources. You can also email staff at info@logancountylibraries.org.  

 

CAN I STILL PICK UP A COVID-19 TEST AT THE LIBRARY?

Yes, COVID-19 tests are available at branch locations for curbside service only. Please call when you arrive.

For alternate testing options in Logan County, please visit https://logancountylibraries.org/covid-19-rapid-testing-options-logan-county

 

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Submit them at: info@logancountylibraries.org.