Library Announcements
Greenville Public Library Holiday Closing Schedule
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Year's Eve
New Year's Day
Dr. Martin Luther King's Day
Presidents' Day
The Greenville Public Library may be closed due to inclement weather. Please call the library at (618) 664-3115 with any questions involving closings.
Escape the Library
Are you looking for something fun to do in Greenville? The Library is offering three "Escape Room" activities--a general theme, a Harry Potter theme, and a pirate theme. The programs are appropriate for groups of 6 to 10 participants (junior high age to adults). Your group will work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and open locks in order to "escape." All that is required is that you call the Director, Jo Keillor, at the Library to schedule a time for your group and let her know which theme your group prefers. There is a $25 charge per group. (We only accept cash or check payments.) We hope you schedule an appointment and enjoy your time at the library. (posted Dec. 2018)
We are not currently taking appointments for Escape Room experiences. (Updated Sept. 2020)
Attention Patrons
Starting in January 2019, everyone will need to provide a driver's license and a second proof of identity/residency to renew existing accounts. We will require all the primary account holders to show all required information. We will be ascertaining whether the address provided is in the library's service area, even if the cardholder has been a Greenville cardholder for several years. We ask that Nonresident patrons who own property in town, bring tax information for the owned property. We hope to have current, up-to-date information for all of our accounts. Thank you for assisting us in this endeavor. (posted Dec. 2018)
Toddler Story Time
Join us weekly for Infant/Toddler Story Time on Wednesdays at 10:30 am. Remember to pick up a schedule for dates, as there will be a few Wednesdays that we will not meet because of the holidays. We will enjoy stories, songs, and crafts. Please call the library for any cancellations due to weather. We will try to update any news involving library events/programs on the website and WGEL. (posted Aug. 2019)
------------------------------Story Time in September------------------------------
Because we are currently in a situation that prohibits us from allowing groups into the library, the Greenville Public Library is pleased to announce that we will be hosting "Story Time in September" for toddlers and preschoolers. Every Wednesday in September at 10:30 am, Miss Jo will be reading stories and leading an activity at the Jaycee Park pavilion (North Dewey Street). Every child will leave with a craft kit to take home. Please call the library at 664-3115 to sign up. Also, be aware that rain will cancel the event, so if there are any questions regarding weather, please call. (updated August 2020)
Story Time at the park will continue into October until the weather holds. Any cancellations or updates will be posted here.
UPDATE: The last scheduled date for Story Time at Jaycee Park will be Wednesday, October 28th. Please call or check this website for any updates regarding Story Time. (updated 10-14-20)
Story Time for Wednesday, October 21st has been cancelled.
New at the Library: Hotspots
We are pleased to announce that the Greenville Public Library now has five hotspots available for check out. Thanks to a generous donor, you can take WiFi with you. Greenville Library patrons may check one out or add their names to a waiting list if none are available. There are a few guidelines associated with our new hotspots:
- Available for Greenville cardholders only.
- Households may check out one hotspot per month. (30 days)
- One week check out period.
- $5.00 per day overdue.
- After 3 days of being overdue, the hotspot will be deactivated and a $200 charge will be billed to the patron.
- DO NOT return in the drop box. If put in the drop box, there will be a $5.00 charge.
- $200 replacement cost for lost or damaged devices.
- If you are notified that one is available, the device must be picked up within two days. On the third day, the next person on the list will be notified. (posted Dec. 2019)
Library To Begin Curbside Pickup
Beginning Thursday, June 4th, the library will offer curbside pickup for local items for patrons with Greenville library cards. If you have not returned your items yet, we are asking that books currently checked out be returned in our drop box. Items will begin accruing fines on Monday, June 15th. Requesting books from other libraries is currently not an option. There are three ways to order: call the library (664-3115), email Christal with a list of desired items (christalv@greenvillepubliclibrary.org), order items on the SHARE website using your barcode and PIN (grvp.illshareit.com). Visit the SHARE website for our library catalog. Limit by "My Library" and search for titles that are available at this location. We will offer curbside 5 days a week from 10 am to 1 pm. We are limiting households to five items per week. Please be aware that if it is raining, curbside will be cancelled for the day. All pickup times will get moved to the corresponding day the following week unless a patron calls to reschedule. For patrons wanting to open an account, please call the library for assistance.
After assessing your account and your requests, we will set up a time for pickup. Click here to see a detailed plan for our curbside process. If you have any questions, please call us at 664-3115. (posted June 2020)
UPDATE: ALL fines charged to accounts on items checked out preCOVID will be reduced by half. (posted June 2020)
Limit amounts to change during COVID-19
Because we are committed to ensuring your safety, the Greenville Public Library has been wiping down every book returned and quarantining them for at least 120 hours. We are pleased to be able to expand our services, but we need to be able to handle all of the additional safety procedures. We are only allowing items to be returned in the book drop at this time. Until we return to regular hours, we are limiting the total items you may have checked out to 20 items out at one time. While items are in quarantine, they will still be checked out to you. Although you have returned items, your account will not reflect the return for at least 6 days, until we are able to backdate and check them in. Remember to keep that in mind when you request or check out more items. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding. For any questions, please call the library at 664-3115. (posted June 2020) (updated July 2020)
Phase 4 Expansion in the Works
The Greenville Public Library Board met on Thursday, June 11th and approved a plan for expanding our services in Phase 4. We know that many of you want to know when the building will be open for computer use and browsing. We want you to know that we have submitted our plan to the Health Department, City Council, and County Board. The Greenville Library Board is taking all possible steps to open safely and responsibly. Information will be updated once we are able to move forward.
Our library system (IHLS) will reactivate interlibrary loan requests for libraries who are ready on Wednesday, July 1, before delivery resumes full service on Monday, July 6th. The Greenville Public Library will receive deliveries on Mondays and Thursdays. All items delivered will be quarantined for 5 days. Once the 5 days (120 hours) are up, the library will check in items and contact patrons who have items to pick up. Since libraries are quarantining all items, the interlibrary loan process will be slower. We appreciate your patience during this time. (posted June 2020)
Beginning July 7th... Library Service Expansion!
Beginning Tuesday, July 7th, the Greenville Public Library, with the approval of the Library Board, Health Department, and city officials, will begin the next phase of expanding library services. We will continue to offer curbside service in the morning from 10 to 11:50 for patrons who prefer a no-contact option (refer to earlier post for more information about curbside). The library will close for an hour for lunch. The library building will open from 1 pm to 4 pm for patrons who would like to "grab & go" or use a computer. Since capacity is limited, patrons are required to call the library to make an appointment in order to maintain social distancing. Grab & Go appointments will be for 20 minutes; computer appointments will be for 45 minutes. Library staff will clean "touch" points frequently. Masks are required. Using hand sanitizer upon entry will also be required. For patrons who are unable to wear masks, we are happy to offer a reasonable accommodation by scheduling an appointment for curbside delivery.
During this next phase, limits on items has changed. Patrons scheduling curbside pickup can order up to 5 items per appointment. Patrons are not limited to one appointment per week, like it was in June. As long as the 20 item limit has not been met, you may continue to use curbside. Patrons who make an appointment for Grab & Go may check out up to 20 items. All accounts may not exceed 20 items at any time. Please remember that items that are returned and in quarantine will remain checked out to you for 6 to 7 days, until they can be backdated and checked in. All returns are to be placed in the drop box. Please protect items from damage if it's raining. Place items in bags before you put them in the drop box for additional protection.
Items returned Monday and Tuesday will be checked in on the following Monday. Items returned Wednesday will be checked in on Tuesday. Items returned Thursday will be checked in on Wednesday. Items returned Friday will be checked in on Thursday. Items returned on Saturday and Sunday will be checked in on the following Saturday.
Patrons who need to make copies, fax, scan, or use our notary services may set up an appointment for Grab & Go. Patrons who need to use a computer to print items may set up an appointment to use a computer.
The restroom will be locked. For emergencies, ask an employee for assistance. (posted July 2020)
Click here to see a detailed plan for this next phase.
OCLC, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle are conducting research to determine how long the COVID-19 virus survives on materials that are prevalent in libraries. Battelle Memorial Institute is a private nonprofit applied science and technology development company. They have called it the REALM Project (REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums). On July 20th, Battelle released its second test results. Because of the results, the Greenville Public library has changed its quarantine time to 4 days.
On August 18th, Battelle released its third test results. Because of the results, the Greenville Library and IHLS Delivery has changed its quarantine time to 5 days.
Library to extend hours...
The Greenville Public Library will be extending hours to accommodate patrons. We will open by appointment only on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday morning.
New hours beginning the week of August 17th:
Monday: Curbside 10 am to 11:50 am, Grab & Go 1 pm to 4 pm
Tuesday: Curbside 10 am to 11:50 am, Grab & Go 1 pm to 4 pm
Wednesday: Curbside 10 am to 11:50 am, Grab & Go 1 pm to 4 pm and 5 pm to 7:30 pm
Thursday: Curbside 10 am to 11:50 am, Grab & Go 1 pm to 4 pm and 5 pm to 7:30 pm
Friday: Curbside 10 am to 11:50 am, Grab & Go 1 pm to 4 pm
Saturday: Grab & Go 9 am to 12 pm
Patrons who need to use computers may schedule an appointment during Grab & Go. Please call the library at 664-3115 to schedule an appointment for all services. (posted August 2020)
Fall Coloring Contest for Children
The Greenville Public Library is pleased to announce that we will be having a Fall Coloring Contest. We are always trying to come up with new ways to engage the community during this pandemic. We invite children up to 10 years old to participate. We will have two age groups: 0-6 and 7-10. (See the links below.) All coloring sheets should be mailed to the library, dropped in our drop box, or delivered by appointment no later than Wednesday, November 11th. Please include the child's name and phone number on a separate piece of paper, since we don't want judges to know who colored the picture. The entries will be judged by board members at our meeting on Thursday, November 12th. A winner from each age group will receive a prize. Please contact the library at 664-3115 if there are any questions. Please note that there are two different coloring sheets, so choose the correct one for your child's age.
Click here to print off the coloring sheet for the 0-6 age group.
Click here to print the coloring sheet for the 7-10 age group.
Coloring sheets will be available on the Greenville Public Library website, at the Greenville Public Library (please request a sheet at your appointment), the City of Greenville website, and the WGEL website. (posted Oct. 2020)
Halloween Week at the Library
Because we don't know what the city will do about Halloween, the library did not want to miss out on handing treats and giveaways to children. Schedule a Grab & Go appointment during the week of October 26th - October 31st and leave with a piece of candy and your choice of DVD or book (until supplies last). Child(ren) must be present to receive treats/gifts. (posted Oct. 2020)
Cemetery Walk
Greenville Public Library invites you to join us for a Cemetery Walk on Saturday, October 31st. We have two tours available on that day: 10am and 11am. Kevin Kaegy and John Goldsmith will lead the tours. Space is limited, so call the library at 664-3115 to reserve your spot. There is no charge, but donations to the library are greatly appreciated. Trick or treat yourself to an interesting and informative outing.
All spots are filled. If you'd like to put your name on the waitlist, please call.
