COVID-19 Service Expansion Update

On Sept. 24, Oshkosh Public Library’s Board of Trustees voted to approve Phase 2 of the library’s phased reopening plan. The priority remains the health, safety and well-being of staff and the public. 

Highlights:

  • The library will move toward Phase 2 services only if two consecutive weekly reports by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on “COVID-19: Activity Level by Region and County” indicate an activity level of Medium or Low for both Winnebago County and the Fox Valley Healthcare Emergency Readiness Coalition (HERC) region.
  • Public access to the building for browsing will resume. Customers will be encouraged to keep their visits as brief as possible.
  • Internet computers will be available. No appointment necessary.
  • Virtual programming continues. No in-person gatherings allowed.
  • Masks and physical distancing are required.
  • Enhanced cleaning protocols remain in place.



As an added level of precaution, materials are still being quarantined for 96 hours.

The last thing you need to worry about during a pandemic is library fines. The library is now fine free for most materials. Although your returned materials won’t show up as “checked in” on your account right away (due to the quarantine period) fines are not assessed. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted libraries and communities in such unprecedented and heartbreaking ways. Although the building will remain mostly closed until the Phase 2 opening criteria is met, staff is available, and services continue. A full list of Phase 1 services is in our September newsletter. Check out the Fall Events Calendar to stay connected to library offerings. 
There are several ways to contact the library or schedule an appointment:
Information Services
(920) 236-5205

Children’s Department
(920) 236-5208

Text
(920) 315-8838

Email

Chat
Get help from one of our staff through the chat box on the library’s website

Schedule online
The library’s voter information page is your one-stop source for voting information and the Tues., Nov. 3 General Election.
What will you read, watch or do this month?
From slightly mystifying to straight-up terrifying, our librarians’ picks are perfect for a month that has not just one, but two full moons!
An online photography contest & exhibit
Open to Oshkosh area residents.
Ages 13 and older
Entries accepted until Fri., Oct. 16
Prizes awarded

You’re invited to submit original photos that reflect your interpretation of shelter. In the wake of the COVID-19 health crisis, shelter conjures up images of both physical structures and sacred places of emotional refuge. You can take shelter at home, in nature, in books, in your personal beliefs, or in the company of a loved one. Use your camera and creativity to tell the story of daily life during a global pandemic.
“Jackson identified herself early on as an outsider and as a writer. ‘When i first used to write stories and hide them away in my desk,” she later wrote in an unpublished essay, “i used to think that no one had ever been so lonely as i was and i used to write about people all alone. . . . i thought i was insane and i would write about how the only sane people are the ones who are condemned as mad and how the whole world is cruel and foolish and afraid of people who are different.’” 

Read on for more about Jackson’s life and work from
Digital Services Librarian Justine E.

Keep the thrills coming with Justine’s list of recommended readalikes.
Grades 6 – 12 | Oct. 1 – 23

Gather ‘round the virtual campfire and get ready to tell your scariest story in just two sentences. Teens who want help writing their terrifying tales are invited to join writing workshops via Zoom on Oct. 7 and Oct. 19. Online submissions begin Oct. 1; entries are due by Oct. 23 at 11:59 p.m.

1st Place - $30 Amazon Gift Card
2nd Place - $25 Amazon Gift Card
3rd Place - $20 Amazon Gift Card
by Marie Boleman, Head of Children’s & Family Outreach Services
With the Oshkosh Area School District transitioning to Model 4: Virtual Learning, our Children’s Librarians are here to support you. We can help you choose books based on your child’s interests, suggest hands-on learning materials (search: Try It Yourself Kits in the online catalog), help with homework and suggest creative ways to help your child learn. Call 236-5208 during business hours or email youth@oshkoshpubliclibrary.org for more information.
Local chiropractor, Dr. Adam Mootz, DC, CSCS offers tips for neck and back health while working from home.
Did you know the New York Public Library System’s buildings were all designed with private apartments for NYPL custodians and their families? In The Temple of Knowledge from StoryCorps, Ronald Clark recalls what it was like to grow up in one of these hidden units. Take a moment to relax and hear how Ronald’s experience shaped his life.