In response to local and state data regarding the spread of COVID-19, the Altoona Area Public Library will move to appointments only for book browsing and computer use beginning on Monday, November 30, 2020. “We feel it is essential that we do our part to help mitigate the spread of this virus to keep our community members and staff safe. We will continue to offer a wide range of library services through this transition, including Curbside pick-up for our most vulnerable community members”, says Jennifer Knisely, Executive Director.
The Blair County PA CareerLink® office will continue to operate on an appointment-only basis. Customers can make an appointment for CareerLink by calling 940-6200.
Services will include:
SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS FOR BOOK BROWSING AND COMPUTER USE:
Patrons may call the library at 946-0417 ext. 125 to schedule an appointment to come into the library building for book browsing and computer use during the following times:
Monday 8:30am – 8pm
Tuesday 8:30am – 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am – 5pm
Thursday 8:30am – 5pm
Friday 8:30am – 5pm
Saturday 9am – 4pm
SCHEDULED CURBSIDE PICK-UP (Contactless)
Patrons have a few options for making requests for contactless Curbside Pick-Up.
- Materials may be requested by phone, 946-0417 ext. 125
- Materials may be requested by email at requests@altoonalibrary.org . Please
include in the email:
- First and Last Name
- Phone number
- Library card number, if possible
- Please include as much information about your selections as possible.
ONLINE CARD APPLICATIONS
In order to provide access to our digital collections and databases, the library will be issuing library cards via phone and online application. Please call the library 946-0417 ext. 125, Monday – Friday between 8:30am – 4:30pm to request your card. Patrons may also visit https://altoona.sparkpa.org/eg/opac/register to apply online for a card. It is very important to provide a valid phone number so that library staff can provide you with your card number. Once the card has been activated, patrons may access CloudLibrary (eBooks and eAudio), Ancestry, Newspaper Archive, POWER Library, and other resources.
PHONE REFERENCE
Staff is available to continue to provide reference services via the phone. Please call 946-0417 ext. 161, Monday – Friday between 8:30am – 4:30pm.
WI-FI DRIVE-IN ZONE
The library will continue to offer free Wi-Fi with a limited range outside the building. The parking lot parallel to 17 th Street (Youth Room parking lot) is the designated DRIVE-IN ZONE. Patrons may use the Wi-Fi from the convenience of their vehicles, using their own devices. We ask that all patrons remain in their vehicles while using the Wi-Fi and that all vehicles are parked in a parking spot. Any vehicles parked alongside the building will be required to move.
READBOX
The library will be providing a READBOX, a shelf stocked with books, puzzles and other materials, Monday – Friday between the hours 10am – 3pm. Community members are encouraged to browse this collection and borrow as needed, and return items in the book drop at the front door when they are finished with them. The READBOX will be clearly marked and stationed at the main door, 5th Avenue entrance.
Michele Bridges
Communications Coordinator
Altoona Area Public Library
814-931-7579
