Library Closed Per Executive Order 2020-21

Good afternoon, everyone.

This morning, Monday, March 23, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order, numbered 2020-21, ordering all Michigan residents to remain at home while not involved in business that is essential to sustaining and protecting life, and other approved businesses as outlined in the executive order.  For this reason, the Fruitport District Library will be closed from Tuesday, March 24, 2020, through Monday, April 13, 2020.  Staff will not be onsite, the drop box will be closed, and the building will not be accessible.  All materials owned by members of the Lakeland Library Cooperative, including Fruitport District Library, Hackley Public Library, Loutit District Library, Muskegon Area District Library, Spring Lake District Library, and White Lake Community Library, will be due after the executive order has expired.  Please do not try to return your items until that time.  If your account is coming on three years old within the next few months, your renew date will be extended to next year.

In the meantime, we have compiled a list of resources available for you to access.  If you have children, the Cinncinati Zoo and Botanical Garden conducts a virtual animal exhibit every weekday at 3:00 p.m.  Moe Willems, the author of Don’t Let Pigeon Drive the Bus! And Elephant and Piggie, posts daily lessons around 12:00 p.m.  We will also be posting a recorded Storytime session every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.  These are only a few of the resources to keep your little ones occupied and continuing to learn.  Look at our “Happy At Home” page under the “Kids & Teens” tab. 

You also still have access to Hoopla, Overdrive and Libby, and RB Digital.  You can also see information that is continually updated by the Library of Michigan.  Click on the “COVID-19” tab to access the links to this information.  The page has information about the virus authoritative and trustworthy sources, assistance for individuals, and resources for employers.

The weeks ahead will be trying for everyone.  I encourage everyone who is not in critical retail (gas, grocery, restaurants, etc.), medical, or critical infrastructure industries and services, or does not need to access these services, to stay home – I will be.  If you get cabin fever, take a walk outside – just be sure to maintain the CDC-recommended six-foot distance, and wear your sunscreen.  (Remember that the Michigan DNR has waived Michigan Passport requirements to enter state parks.  See the Michigan DNR website for details.)  If we all work together in this task, we will come out sooner and better off.

Keep watching your local news network as events develop.  Will also be continuing to update our Facebook page as usual.

Take care, and keep healthy.

Sincerely,

Adam DeWitt,

Library Director