Blog

Welcome back everyone!

DPPL's lobby is now OPEN for self-service holds pickup, contactless self-checkout, copying, account assistance, and more. All floors will reopen on Monday, July 20th, with all of our physical collections available for short-term browsing and lending, and many of our services in operation. 

To keep our community safe, we are following Phase Four guidelines by limiting occupancy and observing strict social distancing. 

Please review the following information, as we hope it will answer your questions. Answers to additional FAQs can be found here.

CUSTOMER HOURS

10 to 7 Monday through Friday

10 to 4 Saturday

1 to 4 Sunday

These guidelines are current as of July 13th and may change as we increase our service levels.

ENTERING THE BUILDING

• You (and your children over two) MUST wear a mask or face covering everywhere in the library, and maintain social distancing - please stay six feet from other people.
• You ENTER the building from the West Community Hallway (near the garage) and EXIT from the North double sliding doors (on the plaza).
• Please bring your library card - you can also put the card number on your phone.
• Hand sanitizer is widely available and we encourage to use it when you enter and when you leave.
• If you don't feel well, please stay home!

USING THE LIBRARY SAFELY

• Please keep your visit short. Occupancy of the building is limited, so please come in, choose whatever you want from the collections, and take them home to enjoy!
• Computers are available for adults by appointment only. Please call 847-376-2841 to schedule a time. You must have a Des Plaines Library card to book a computer at this time. 
• Reference and Reader's Advisory service for all ages is available at the Information Desks by phone or in-person. Bring us your questions large and small - we can look up a stock price or recommend a Victorian mystery on the fly.
• Newspaper and magazine area seating, study carrels and study rooms, meeting rooms, tables, and other seating is not available.
• Play areas are closed, including the Early Literacy area and the PoetTree.
• 2nd floor children's computers and iPads are unavailable at this time.

HELP KEEP EVERYONE HEALTHY

• Wash your hands regularly! Bathrooms are available on the first, second, and fourth floors.
• Return your items in the garage book drops. They are open 24/7.
• Be aware and maintain social distancing of 6 feet everywhere in the building, but especially when browsing popular collections such as New Books and New Movies.
• Keep your children with you at all times. If you need help locating materials, just ask us!

WHAT WE ARE DOING TO KEEP YOU SAFE

• We are regularly and frequently cleaning repeatedly touched surfaces, such as the self-checks, door handles, elevator buttons, stair rails, and service desks.
• We are quarantining all returns for three days.
• We have supplied hand sanitizer and wipes throughout the building.
• We are screening staff daily for COVID-19 symptoms. Additionally, we are alternating staff in service teams wherever possible to avoid long periods of contact. 

If you want to know more, or have feedback for us? 

Please email help@dppl.org or call the library at 847-827-5551.

Other ways to contact us:

Patron Accounts and Holds: 847-876-2788 (First Floor)

Children's Materials: 847-376-2839 (Second Floor)

Adult Fiction, Music and Movies: 847-376-2840

Adult Reference and Technology: 847-376-2841