UPDATE 03/13/20 5 p.m.: The library will remain open with modified services through Monday, March 16. Announcements will be made on March 16 regarding library services through the end of the month. 

Fondulac District Library continues to monitor the coronavirus outbreak to ensure the library’s response is proactive and prioritizes public health while balancing the need for public services. At this time, the library remains open to the public with modifications to access and reduced services.

After much consideration of the guidelines provided by the CDC and Illinois Department of Health, the library is taking the following preventative actions to do our part to help minimize the spread of COVID-19:

• All library programs, including story times, are cancelled through March 31.
• Star Wars Day on April 18 is cancelled due to recommendations for events involving more than 250 people.
• Public computers and library furniture will be available on a physically staggered basis in accordance with social distancing policies.
• Staff will continue increased sanitation efforts of materials and public spaces.
• No donations of books will be accepted until further notice.

These changes to our services are a precautionary measure and are not due to any known exposure to COVID-19 at the library. Until further notice, the library will remain open for regularly scheduled hours of service. The library will be closed Thursday, March 19, for previously scheduled staff training.

Patrons can help prevent the spread of coronavirus by following public health measures such as staying home when sick and washing hands frequently. Patrons are encouraged to utilize the library’s drive-up window to drop off or pick up materials and to take advantage of digital materials available at fondulaclibrary.org.

Due to the evolving nature of the situation, library policies and services are subject to change, and we will continue to provide public updates as necessary.

Trusted information regarding coronavirus is available at from the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov and the Illinois Department of Public Health at dph.illinois.gov.

FDL is excited to announce we will be converting all lighting in the library from fluorescent to energy-saving LED lighting! Upgrading all 969 lights will increase the library’s energy efficiency, decrease our environmental impact, and provide better visibility for our patrons.

The installation will take place February 15-17 with minimal disruption to patrons. When the library is open Saturday and Sunday (2/15-2/16) during regular hours, there may be increased noise or temporary closures of the quiet reading room, individual bathrooms, and a few aisles of the stacks as the lights are installed. Study rooms will not be available Sunday, February 16. The installation will be completed on Monday, February 17, when the library was already scheduled to be closed in honor of Presidents’ Day.

LED lights use significantly less electricity than traditional lighting. The library expects to save 55% percent of lighting costs on our utility bill and will see a Return on Investment in just under three years through energy and maintenance savings. The LED conversion is projected to reduce the library’s energy usage by 72,397 kWh per year – which is equivalent to eliminating 56.4 tons of greenhouse gas emissions! LED lighting also produces direct, constant, non-flickering light to provide better lighting throughout the library. We hope patrons will enjoy the new lighting and appreciate your patience during the installation process!