Library Mission
The Whitefish Bay Public Library, as a cornerstone of the community, is dedicated to connecting people of all ages, inspiring a love of learning and providing easy access to ideas, information and resources.

Dear Whitefish Bay Community-

Just as we all renew books, we are now Renewing Services at Whitefish Bay Public Library. We are starting a new book with lots of new chapters. We are excited to announce Chapter 1, "Grab and Go @ WFBPL", starting Monday, June 15th.

Our Guiding Principles are to:
  • Provide a welcoming place for all who enter
  • Interconnect and engage our community
  • Be flexible, creative and forward-looking
  • Support an informed public
  • Offer an exceptional workplace
  • Follow a thoughtful and measurable approach

We have adhered to these principles while discussing at-length, and planning in-depth, how best to provide services to Whitefish Bay in a safe manner. 

Hours
Here are our new hours as of 6/15. Please keep in mind they will change as we move to Chapter 2 sometime in July (we hope). Curbside appointments are every 15 minutes, and in-library browsing appointments are every 30 minutes.

Monday - 9:30AM - 2:00PM (Curbside Pickup); 2:30-7:00PM (In-Library Browsing & Computers)
Tuesday - 9:30AM - 2:00PM (In-Library Browsing & Computers); 2:30-7:00PM (Curbside)
Wednesday - 9:30AM - 2:00PM (Curbside Pickup); 2:30-7:00PM (In-Library Browsing & Computers)
Thursday - 9:30AM - 2:00PM (In-Library Browsing & Computers); 2:30-7:00PM (Curbside)
Friday - 9:30AM - 2:00PM (Curbside Pickup)
Saturday - 9:30AM - 2:00PM (Curbside Pickup)

Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for the most up-to-date info. We will also share this information in our email newsletter.

Follow a thoughtful and measurable approach 
We are using guidelines from the CDC, North Shore Health Department, and Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to develop each Chapter of our Renewing Services story. Even as we follow these guidelines, as a public space WFBPL cannot guarantee a germ-free environment or germ-free physical materials. Visiting WFBPL or other public spaces is your decision based on the needs of you and your family. 

Provide a welcoming place for all who enter & Offer an exceptional workplace
At this time, we consider “safe” to be welcoming for patrons and staff.

To maintain a safe environment for patrons and staff
  • All services in Chapter 1 of Renewing Services at WFBPL are designed as "Grab and Go”…similar to picking up take-out from your favorite restaurant rather than dining in.
  • All staff and patrons are required to wear face masks or face shields.
  • 6-foot social distancing is required and spots will be marked on the floor at the checkout desk to assist this.
  • The Library will have limited capacity with only a certain number of people allowed in the building at a time.
  • Our cleaning crew cleans and sanitizes the library every evening with proper protocols and materials.
  • Hand sanitizer is available for staff and patrons to use as they enter and leave the building; handwashing is strongly encouraged and restrooms will be available for patrons with a Browsing or Computer appointment.
  • Computers will be disinfected after each use.
  • Materials may be returned via outside bins available while staff are in-building during these hours, to enable proper quarantining of materials: 9:30am-7:00pm Mon-Thu; 9:30am-2:00pm Fri-Sat.

Interconnect and engage our community & Support an informed public
We recommend you continue to utilize online and curbside services as much as possible, such as
  • Using digital collections
  • Viewing virtual programs
  • Applying for a digital card
  • Paying fines
  • Asking a reference question by emailing reference@wfblibrary.org 

Services Available as of 6/15 – call to make an appointment! 414-964-4380 during hours listed above.
  • Curbside pick-up of holds - call to make a “Curbside Appointment" or use this form.
  • Browse books, renew library cards, apply for a new card, or use the copier/scanner – call to make a “Browsing Appointment”
  • Use of library computers for up to 1 hour per day (not your own laptop at a study table) – call to make a “Computer Appointment”

Be flexible, creative and forward-looking
Library staff will continue to revisit guidelines as we prepare for Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 of our Renewing Services story, at which point we will begin to Renew the following services. We appreciate your flexibility as these services are not yet available.
  • Sitting, gathering, or socializing 
  • Study table usage
  • Study room usage
  • Program room reservations
  • Newspapers usage
  • Children’s area toys or games 
Curbside Pickup
The library will continue to offer curbside pickup. The request/hold button has been turned back on in CountyCat . You may now go ahead and request items on your own! We are receiving deliveries from other libraries so most materials are requestable.

Here is the new process for our curbside service:
  • Search for items in CountyCat.
  • Once you find an item you'd like, place a hold.
  • Once you receive a notification that items are ready for pickup, call us or use this form to schedule a pickup.

NOTE:  If you have a fever or are not feeling well, please do not come to the library to pick up your holds.  Contact the Whitefish Bay Public library at 414.964.4380 to let us know you cannot make your pick up.
Summer Reading Program
This year, we're taking our summer reading program and moving it online! Sign up online through Beanstack and experience the great programs for all ages, full of opportunities for fun and learning.

You can register online here or you can also use the Beanstack app! Download the Beanstack app and search for Whitefish Bay Public Library. The program begins on June 15 but you can preregister now!

Adults
For every book you read, you'll earn tickets to enter into our end of summer prize drawings. Write reviews for the books you read and earn additional tickets.

Teens
For every hour that you read, earn tickets to enter into drawings throughout the summer. Win gift cards to local businesses. Writing reviews and completing activities throughout the summer results in earning more tickets. If you read for 8 hours, you'll receive a free book.

Kids
For every hour that you read, earn tickets to enter into drawings throughout the summer for gift cards to local businesses, arts and crafts kits, and exciting grand prizes. Complete special activity badges throughout the summer in order to earn more tickets. If you read for 6 hours, you'll receive a free book!
New This Summer: Make and Takes for All Ages!
While we can't have any in person programming during the summer, we will want you to have great educational and entertaining activities to enjoy! We'll be putting together "Make and Take" kits that you can pick up outside of the building every week, starting the week of June 22nd.

How will it work?

Every Monday, we will post the week's Make and Take (both the theme and the age group) on our Facebook page, Instagram page, and website front page. Our bags are first come, first serve and they can be picked up outside of the library during these windows of time:

  • Wednesdays from 10:00am-noon 
  • Thursdays from 3:00pm-5:00pm
Seed Library- Saturday Pickup
June 13, 10am-2pm
Help us launch our first ever Seed Library! Stop by the north side of the library grounds anytime between 10am and 2pm to pick up some seeds for your garden.

Seed Available
- basil - oregano - beets - carrots - kale - lettuce - radish - spinach

Brought to you through a collaboration between the Whitefish Bay Public Library, Whitefish Bay Garden Club, and Whitefish Bay Community Garden.
Whitefish Bay Public Library | (414)964-4380