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Current Service Information

Current Service Information (Updated  3/1/21)

Please note: The pandemic has changed the way we will operate libraries for the foreseeable future.  An updated Pandemic Code of Conduct  has been approved by the CVL Regional Board  for the safety of library staff and customers.  


NEW! CVL Expands Indoor Services on June 1 

Beginning Tuesday, June 1,  the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries will expand indoor services. We will:

  • Lower age limits in the Code of Conduct from 12 to 9 for minors without an adult caregiver present.   
  • Eliminate building capacities and time limits for library visits. 
  • Reopen the Genealogy Department at the Columbus Public Library. 
  • Expand outdoor and outreach programming. 
  • Continue Curbside Service 

Health and safety of staff and patrons will remain a priority. We will continue to require masks for those 2 years+,  and no food or drink will be allowed inside the libraries.

Unfortunately we will continue to restrict meeting rooms use and indoor programming at this time.


CVL Continues to Expand Services on March 1

Beginning Monday, March 1 the book drops and the two automated kiosks  of the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries will begin accepting returns. The Libraries’ popular new Curbside Service continues.  This allows patrons to reserve books via their accounts at CVLGA.org and then pick up their reservations without leaving their cars.

Health and safety of staff and patrons will remain a priority. While we are no longer quarantining materials, patrons and staff will still be required to wear masks at all times, and temperatures will be checked at the door. Social distancing of at least six feet between patrons will be enforced. No food or drink will be allowed inside the libraries.

Use of the Libraries’ computers will continue to be limited to one hour a day per patron, and the building occupancy will be  limited.

Meeting rooms will not be available for patrons at this time.

Children under the age of 16 will need to have a caregiver over the age of 16 with them at all times.


CVL Expands Indoor Services

Phase 3A  Begins February 2 : Expanding Indoor Services   

  • Lowering age limits in the Code of Conduct from 16 – 12.
  • Relax the materials quarantine from 4 days to 2 days.
  • Socially distant computer use will expand to the Children’s & Teen Departments.
  • Begin handling cash. 
  • Limited outreach for the bookmobiles and other in-person outreach on a case-by-case basis.
  • End free printing and curbside printing for the public.

Please note: We will be adhering to building occupancy guidelines as needed.  


Grab & Go Quick Browsing Begins At Libraries on October 12

Libraries will re-open for Grab & Go quick browsing on October 12. During this time customers can browse the stacks, pick up holds, and check out materials. We kindly ask that you limit your time to one hour.   You can still enjoy our Curbside Pickup, Virtual Programming , limited indoor computer use, and Book Bundles.

Additional Services During 2B:
*Library Card Sign-Ups
*In-house Checkouts
*Self-Check Stations Open
*Increased Building Capacity

Reminders about computer use: 
Computer use is limited to one hour.
Color printing is currently unavailable.

Participating Branches for Quick Browsing
Columbus Public Library 
Cusseta-Chattahoochee Public Library
Marion County Public Library 
Mildred L. Terry Public Library 
North Columbus Public Library 
Parks Memorial Public Library 

South Columbus Public Library 

New safety requirements from Phase 2A remain in effect.  Unfortunately, Book Drops remain closed until further notice. 

 


NEW!! LIMITED INDOOR COMPUTER USE

Most Libraries will open for limited indoor computer use on Tuesday, September 8. You can still enjoy our Curbside Pickup, Virtual Programming and Book Bundles.

We’re working to reopen safely, so things will be a little different when you visit the Library. Here’s what you can expect:

New Requirements
*Masks and temperature checks will be required for all staff and customers entering local Libraries.
*Please practice social distancing and maintain a minimum of 6 feet between each other.
*Please NO food or drink during this phase or reopening
*We have enhanced cleaning protocols in high contact areas.
*Building occupancy limits have been established to minimize exposure.
*Children 16 and under must have a caregiver over the age of 16 remain with them at all times.

Computer Use
*Computer use will be limited to 1-hour sessions on a first come, first serve basis.
*The number of available computers has been reduced for social distancing.
*We are not currently offering color printing.

Participating Branches for Indoor Computer Use
Columbus Public Library 
Cusseta-Chattahoochee Public Library
Marion County Public Library 
Mildred L. Terry Public Library 
North Columbus Public Library 
South Columbus Public Library 


Book Bundles for Kids! 

Do you miss browsing the stacks for new titles for your little ones? If so, then the staff at the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries can help! You can now request bundles of books by genre, topic or by AR/Lexile level. That’s right! Let us take the guesswork out the process by customizing a selection of books for your young reader about dinosaurs, princesses, sea creatures, and so much more.

Each bundle includes at least three or more titles including fiction, non-fiction, and possibly a DVD. Our staff will also include a related activity while supplies last. Book bundles are a great way to keep your early readers engaged – and maybe even discover a new favorite author – while our physical locations remain closed.

To request a bundle contact your favorite local Library branch to get started. We’ll check them out to you, and let you know when they are ready for pick up at our convenient Curbside Service!


24-HOUR LIBRARIES 

The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries has reopened the 24-Hour Kiosk Libraries.  The two automated libraries are located at 1241 Double Churches Road and 6600 Flat Rock Road in Midland.

Most services previously offered at these locations will be available, including: 
*Browsing a 340-item collection of popular books and DVD’s for all Ages. 
*Materials requested or placed on hold by patrons can be designated for pickup at the locations.
*Account Management, including placing hold requests. 

Customers can begin placing holds to be routed to the units beginning July 27th.

For public safety reasons, patrons will not be able to return materials to the kiosks at this time.  Returns will be accepted at branch locations during operating hours an quarantined for 4 days prior to being recirculated.  Book drops remain closed.

For questions regarding the resumption of the 24-Hour Libraries, please e-mail cvl24@cvlga.org or call (706)243-2680 at the Columbus Public Library Circulation Desk during operating hours for assistance.

 


CURBSIDE HOLD PICKUP

The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries remain closed, but is now offering new Curbside Hold Pick Up Service at 7 branch locations. During this time customers can return materials during our new temporary operating hours.  Returned items will be reflected on your account after the 4 day quarantine that we have implemented for safety measures.

Participating Branches
Columbus Public Library 
Cusseta-Chattahoochee Public Library
Marion County Public Library 
Mildred L. Terry Public Library 
North Columbus Public Library 
Parks Memorial Public Library
South Columbus Public Library 

At this time book drops and our two 24-Hour branches remain closed to the public. Please read our phased reopening plan for details.    Please visit the library website at www.cvlga.org  and (Facebook: chatlibraries) for changes and the most up-to-date information about library services.

Staff is regularly monitoring  pachelp@cvlga.org  or  cvl24@cvlga.org  for inquiries for customers during this time.

Visit our Curbside Service Information Page to learn more.



Using the Library Remotely

CVL offers a vast collection of digital resources for the public including ebooks, audiobooks, free movie and music streaming services, as well as educational databases free of charge with a library card. An ecard is also a convenient alternative for customers who wish to sign up to use digital services during this time.   The Library’s new mobile app is perfect way to stay connected.  Hoopla checkouts have been increased from 10-20.

Staff will be regularly monitoring  pachelp@cvlga.org  or  cvl24@cvlga.org  for unusual circumstances or inquiries regarding blocked accounts for customers during this time.


Distance Learning

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LIBRARY CARD, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR A LIBRARY ECARD FOR LOGIN PURPOSES :
(NOTE: Some resources may request that you create an account) 

To assist area students, parents and teachers, the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries has created a guide of educational resources that can be used remotely during this time. If you need assistance please email pachelp@cvlga.org.


Get Live Online Homework Help with Brainfuse. Students in grades K-12 can connect with a live tutor free of charge from 2pm – 11pm daily for assistance with Math, Science, Social Studies, English, SAT/ACT Prep and more.

 


Learning Express Library is an interactive online platform that features over 770  practice tests for GED ASVAB, and school entrance exams as well as basic skills improvement in reading, writing, and math for all ages. Receive immediate scoring, complete answer explanations and an analysis or your results.

 

GALILEO PASSWORD: bell



Tumblebook Library
 an online collection of TumbleBooks – animated, talking picture books which teach children the joy of reading in a format they’ll love. TumbleBooks are created by adding animation, sound, music and narration to existing picture books in order to produce an electronic picture book which you can read, or have read to you.

 

If you do not have a valid library card, you can also sign up for an ecard to use Overdrive, rbDigital, Hoopla and other online resources.

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