It has been shown that HVAC Systems may be an important tool for reducing COVID risk in library buildings. With the safety of our patrons and staff in mind the Robert W. Rowe Public Library District has installed a Fresh Air System on our HVAC System to circulate fresh air throughout the library.

The Robert Rowe Library is having in-person programming with some limitations. Masks must be worn at all times and social distancing must be maintained. That means that our UFO ( Unfinished Objects) Craft Group will be meeting again on Mondays, 10 am to 12 pm. Cake & Crime Mystery Book Discussion Group , 2nd Wednesday of every month at 12 pm, R.E.A.L Readers, Non-Fiction Book Discussion Group, 4th Monday of every month at 12 pm, Rowe Readers (Fiction) Book Discussion Group, 4th Tuesday of every month at 7 pm, Chair Yoga every Tuesday and Thursday 10 am – 10:30 am These groups with the exception of Chair Yoga will be meeting on Zoom also. If you’d like to learn more about any of these programs please contact the library at 815-496-2031 or email the director at pdsmith@rwrlibrary.org

We do ask that everyone please wear a mask and use hand sanitizer before you come into the library. Our utmost priority is keeping our patrons and staff safe and healthy and our library open to all.

The library will, however, maintain regular hours and take extra precautions as part of their efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus without eliminating a resource that thousands rely on across our community. We are doing this by asking that all patrons who enter the library to wear a mask and please use hand sanitizer provided as you enter the library.

 We are striving to remain a safe space for people. We know our community members rely on the library for access to the Internet and access to information and books that is needed more than ever and we’re going to provide it as best we can.

In addition to increasing the frequency of disinfecting and cleaning our facilities, we have also removed toys from the children’s spaces and have limited seating areas, as well as limiting computer use to 2 public computers.

To prepare for a decrease of in-person visits and for those hesitant to venture into public spaces, we still want to remind everyone that we have our digitally accessible content like EBooks and we are offering many programs virtually using the application, Zoom. We are also going to be offering more Grab and Go Take Home Crafts for all ages. . 

We want to encourage people to call the library at 815-496-2031 if they are not comfortable coming to the library. We want them to know we are doing our best to accommodate and answer questions and provide all the services we can while still maintaining safety for our staff. Please continue to watch our webpage rwrlibrary.org and our Library Facebook page and Instagram account for updates and upcoming virtual programs.

 Returned materials will no longer be quarantined. Please return materials either through the outdoor bookdrop or the book return inside the foyer. Thank you.

Pease call 815-496-2031 for more information.