The Muskego Public Library will be closed starting Monday, March 16th until further notice in response to the public health concerns of COVID-19. This was a difficult decision as we love our community and enjoy serving you. We regret our doors will not be open to you, but encourage you to explore our multitude of electronic books, electronic audio books, and electronic magazines. Stay tuned for unique digital programming content on our Facebook page. We hope to open again soon. Listed below are some FAQs you may have at this time.
Muskego Public Library FAQs:
Will I have fines on my materials? Shortly we will be doing an automatic extension of due dates on materials for May 1st. Fines on overdue materials will automatically be waived during the duration of our closure. Existing fines from before March 16th will remain.
Should I return overdue materials? You may return your items through our outside book drop (exception, if you have an item that is not supposed to be returned in the outside bookdrop please hold onto it!). You may also hold onto your materials at this time as we will be automatically extending due dates on all materials to May 1st. Please stay up to date on the Library’s open/close status. The public will be notified when we reopen via our website, facebook, email newsblast, and signage on the building.
May I come pick up my item that is on hold? I was contacted by the Library that it was ready for pick up. At this time we are not allowing curb side hold pickups. We are analyzing whether this is a safe process to start. You will be notified personally if you can pick up your hold later.
Why haven’t I been notified of items that I may have on hold? The system has suspended all holds notifications due to the variety of library closures. You will not receive notifications currently.
Why is the Library closed? The Library has monitored information from the Waukesha County Public Health Department and State. Recent recommendations support limiting gatherings of 50 or more. Our library is well loved and has high foot traffic. Because the Library supports service populations with increased vulnerability to COVID-19, the difficult decision was made to close the Library. The public will be notified when we reopen via our website, facebook, email newsblast, and signage on the building.
How long will the Library be closed? The Library will be closed until further notice and until public health risk has lessened. Unfortunately given the rapidly changing landscape of this pandemic, it is hard to anticipate a specific return date. We are monitoring the situation closely, taking guidance from public health experts, and will open our doors again as soon as possible.
Why are programs cancelled? The Library has monitored information from the Waukesha County Public Health Department and State. Larger gatherings can increase spread of the virus. Because the Library supports service populations with increased vulnerability to COVID-19, the difficult decision was made to suspend Library programs. The public will be notified of the return of programs via our website, facebook, email newsblast, and signage in the building.
Are the public meeting rooms still available? Unfortunately no. Existing public meeting room reservations will be canceled for the rest of March and no new reservations will be accepted at this time. As we get closer to April additional meeting room reservations may be canceled depending on the outlook.
Is AARP offering free tax aid services for those with existing appointments?
The AARP Foundation Tax Aide has suspended all services as of March 16th due to concerns related to coronavirus (COVID-19). Please note it is not certain when or if this service will be made available again this year and we regretfully advise you consider other potential tax service options. AARP will continue to assess if they can open again for the remainder of the tax season and if the tax season is extended. If you have an appointment, your name and number will be kept on our list. Those with previously scheduled tax appointments will be contacted if service resumes to indicate what availability there is.
What is the Library doing to keep clean for when you reopen? The Library is cleaned after close each day by a professional cleaning company. Door handles, service desks, and table tops are cleaned with a disinfectant that is listed to kill the COVID-19 virus along with other viruses and bacteria. Public computer keyboards and mice are wiped down each night with cleaning wipes. We will be wiping down books that have been returned.