Indian Trails Library reopening July 6 to public

The Indian Trails Public Library, 355 Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling, reopens at 9 a.m. Monday, July 6, after a three-month building closure due to Gov. Pritzker's executive order for COVID-19. Library hours will be 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. The library's branch in Prospect Heights will remain closed until further notice.

The library closed March 13 to the public as the coronavirus spread and staff began working from home to develop virtual services and programs, the first of which was launched at the end of March. In April and May, 99 virtual programs and videos were hosted by the library.

"Although our library building closed in March," said Brian Shepard, executive director, "we continued to be open for business by offering live chat with staff and virtual programs. We saw a 65% increase from 2019 in downloaded e-books and streaming options we offer as members discovered different services."

The library opened its drive-up service June 15 for members to place holds and pick up items while the library building was closed.

People returning to the library July 6 will find changes, as the library has limited services available. All books, DVDs, video games and CDs will be available for checkout, but other items, such as e-readers and literacy kits, will not be available. Social distancing and directional signs will be the norm.

"People who come to visit us when we reopen should think of us like a grocery store - find what you need, check out and then leave. We won't have computers, study rooms or public seating available. There will be limited occupancy and everyone over the age of 2 will need to wear a mask in the building. There will be special hours from 9-10 am on Wednesdays and Saturdays for at-risk populations," Shepard said. "Our goal is to make sure we can provide services in a way that is safe for our members and staff."

The library anticipates expanding its services, as it continues to monitor the health situation and follow the Restore Illinois Plan. Public use of computers is expected to begin July 27. Virtual programs will continue through the end of the year, but Shepard noted that if conditions are favorable, in-person programs would be added.

The library will also collect unexpired, nonperishable food items for the Wheeling Township Food Pantry, which has seen increased usage as residents experienced layoffs or reduced hours that impacted their income.

"We know our community, even in difficult times like these, are very generous and we hope they will be willing to drop off an item or two when they come to the library," Shepard said.

More information can be found at www.itpld.org or call (847) 459-4100.