Dear Library Friends
Thank you for being a loyal member of the Lower Merion Library System. I appreciate your use of libraries during these difficult times. Even with limitations on library use, you are busy checking out books and other items. Last month, circulation of library materials was 71% of the number from 2019, and our digital checkouts exceeded 2019 by 33%.
As you are aware, the spread of the COVID-19 virus is increasing and more of our neighbors are becoming ill. The Centers for Disease Control and our state Health Department have urged residents to take precautions. To protect the health and safety of our staff and the public, Lower Merion Libraries will return to contactless pickup and suspend in-person services. This change begins on Wednesday, December 16. If you need to access in-library services, such as using a computer, please do so by closing time on Tuesday, December 15.
While in-library use is suspended, you can still take advantage of our wide range of alternate services:
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Contactless Pickup – place a request through our online catalog (www.lmls.org) or call the library. You will be contacted when the item is ready, with instruction to arrange a time for pick-up in the library lobby.
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Librarians Suggest – if you don’t know the specific title and want help selecting a book, call your local library and staff will make suggestions. If you like cozy mysteries, or picture books on dinosaurs, we’ll be happy to put together a selection of titles based on your interests.
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Need WiFi? – visit a location (not Ludington) for Park ‘n Surf. You can take advantage of the library’s WiFi signal from outside at Ardmore, Bala Cynwyd, Belmont Hills, Gladwyne, and Penn Wynne libraries. Look for the Stop and Go network. Libraries also offer portable WiFi hot spots which can be checked out, call the library for availability.
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Download an Ebook – or an audiobook, movie, or magazine. Just visit www.lmls.org with your LMLS library card and search Overdrive/Libby for ebooks and audiobooks; Hoopla for ebooks, audiobooks, music, TV, and movies; and RB digital for magazines.
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Attend a Program – LMLS staff have been busy creating engaging, online programs with your favorite librarians. Visit www.lmls.org and click the calendar link for a list by date or by library. There you'll find event descriptions, and instructions on how to access the programs. Some programs include Grab and Go activity bags and information on where and when to pick up will be included in the calendar item.
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Children’s Programs – Online storytelling, crafting with Grab and Go activity bags and even online Museum Tours!
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Call Us – have a question? Library staff are standing by to take your phone calls. We love to answer questions.
The reserve fee continues to be suspended.
This service revision will be reconsidered in mid-January. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season and a happy new year.
Sincerely,
David Belanger, Director of Libraries
Library Phone Numbers:
Ardmore: 610-642-5187 - Bala Cynwyd: 610-664-1196 - Belmont Hills: 610-664-8427
Gladwyne: 610-642-3957 - Ludington: 610-525-1776 - Penn Wynne: 610-642-7844
