Changing Hours
In an effort to continue to serve our patrons throughout the current upswing in COVID reports and ensure ongoing access to our library collections, beginning Wednesday December 9 the doors will be closed to the public as it was in the spring.
The drive-up window will remain open all published hours as long as we have staff available, and we will be happy to have items ready for you there. You can reserve your items online by visiting our catalog and in the upper right-hand corner log in with your card number and password. To set or reset your password please contact the library.
The drive-up window hours will be:
- M-Th 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Fri 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Sat 8:00 a.m. – noon
- Sun 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Changes in the local situation will be closely monitored so the library can fully reopen as soon as feasible, but it is possible these changes may extend into 2021.
Please feel free to call us at 402-643-3318, text us at 402-260-2202, or email us at info@sewardlibrary.org with your requests or your questions. Please keep informed by checking www.sewardlibrary.org or follow us on social media. Thank you for supporting the Seward Memorial Library!
What's Happening
State-wide Winter Reading Challenge
Ebooks and More
Surprise Packs
A Note From the Director
Our drive-up window was well used when we closed to the public in mid-March and we encourage all who need library materials to continue to use this. In addition, we have read that the COVID-19 virus may live on books for up to three days. To protect both patrons and staff, we have implemented a "book quarantine" system for items that have been returned. They will be handled as little as possible until after three days. Our library software company has created many “quarantine” features, one of which allows us to check in your returns while keeping the items unavailable to others until they are out of quarantine. So, returned items will no longer remain on your account but they will not immediately display as being available on the catalog.
On March 1 we implemented an auto-renewal system (for all items that CAN be renewed) as well as no fines on many items. This doesn’t mean you can keep items forever. Examples of what might not be auto-renewed include: some specialty items, an item on reserve for another patron, or an item you renewed twice already. You should receive automatic notices about the status of all your items.
If you have any trouble with your individual account because of the changes we’ve implemented, call staff at 402-643-3318 or email info@sewardlibrary.org and we will work with you to the best of our ability.
We realize that everyone wants to know when the library will return to normal operations. We want to know that, too! Unfortunately, we can’t predict the future. Staff continues to turn to state, regional, and local authorities for guidance, applying their rules and limitations to our situation. Then we will adjust our situation to best serve our patrons. Thanks so much for understanding!
