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HOULTON, Maine — As coronavirus concerns ramp up in Aroostook County, and across the state, the Cary Library has had to alter its process for signing out books.
Hard copies are no longer available for readers, according to Librarian Linda Faucher. Instead the library has transitioned to electronic-only copies of books.
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To take out a “virtual” book, Faucher said the process is as simple as going to the library’s website, selecting the “online collection” tab. From there, readers will be directed to select a cloud library, which opens a window where readers then select the county, state and library. Houlton’s library is listed as “Houlton-Cary Library.”
Readers will then be asked to enter their library card number as a login. Those who do not know their card number can simply call the library to obtain it.
Those individuals who may have already taken out a book are still asked to follow the due date for returning items. Books can be returned in the library’s drop-off located outside the building.
“The books are then disinfected and quarantined for a week before we refile them,” Faucher said. “The safety time frame is 72 hours, but we err on the side of caution.”
The librarian added she was staggering staffing inside the building while they continue to disinfect, weed the collection and do inventory.
“Mainly we are answering many calls and providing help where the caller’s needs are,” she said. “We can give the card number once we confirm the identity of the person asking such as verifying their address. Ancestry is also now open for home use during this time for people who used to be required to be inside the library for free access.”
Founded in 1904, the Cary Library has served the town of Houlton for more than 100 years and has become one of its major landmarks. It houses more than 55,000 books and the building has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
For information, email library@cary.lib.me.us or call 207-532-1302.
