library
UPDATES

August 23, 2023

The library will be installing new service desks the week of August 28. Service desks undergoing renovation include the first-floor Checkout Desk, the Adult and Teen Services front desk, and the Computer Help Desk. Alternate temporary desks to assist patrons will be nearby and staffed as usual. This project should be complete by September 8. Please excuse the noise and dust during this quick upgrade. We appreciate your patience!

 March 2, 2023

At approximately 8:28 a.m. today, a library staff member found a shell casing on a public desk in the library’s lobby area. Staff called 911 immediately and the Downers Grove Police Department responded within minutes. The library’s opening was delayed while police completed their work in the building. No other casings were found. Library staff were informed of the incident this morning. We care deeply about the safety and mental health of our staff. Resources to support staff in coping with this incident have been made available. The police investigation is ongoing. The library will continue to work with the Downers Grove Police Department and appreciates the Village of Downers Grove’s support.

Anyone with additional information is asked to please contact the Downers Grove Police Department at (630) 434-5600.

See the official press release.

February 21, 2023

We recognize that recently there have been numerous demonstrations of violence, aggression, and hate against marginalized communities in our nation and around the world. As a library, we continue to strive to be a place for everyone to discover, grow, play, and learn. We believe in lifelong learning, and especially in moments of crisis, we view it as our responsibility to provide resources to help cope, process, and understand these types of events as well as draw attention to reliable sources of information. Like many members of our community and beyond, library staff members have needed time to practice self-care and to reflect on the painful events that have happened and continue to happen. We would like to reiterate that the Downers Grove Public Library is a place for everyone and that you are welcome here.

Click here to read the full statement about continued violence, coping, and mental health.

February 1, 2023

The Downers Grove Public Library has been named the #1 library in the western suburbs, as voted by Kidlist readers! We're thrilled to have received this recognition for our Kids Room, which features the children's play area (including our Play Café, light wall, toys, and activities), programming, materials of all kinds, and our wonderful staff.

December 19, 2022:

The Downers Grove Public Library has been recognized as a 5-Star library, named as one of the top public libraries in the country by Library Journal!

DGPL has been named one of the top ten libraries in the country within its budget bracket. This year, Library Journal surveyed 5,359 public libraries; only 258 (4.8%) received a star rating, and only 85 (1.5%) received the highest 5-star rating. The magazine recognizes public libraries based on direct measures of library service including statistics such as circulation of physical and electronic materials, annual visitors, program attendance, and public computer/WiFi use. This data is from the Institute of Museum and Library Services Public Library Survey, which includes the Illinois Public Library Annual Report submitted by the state of Illinois.

“We’re thrilled to receive this honor. I want to congratulate each and every staff member for their contributions to making DGPL a 5-star library! It is affirming that DGPL received this honor as we implemented our purpose statement: ‘DGPL is a place for everyone to Discover, Grow, Play, and Learn’ and our values: lifelong learning, equal access for all, fostering relationships, responsibility, and the freedom to seek, receive, and share information. These stars reflect the staff’s hard work and dedication to making a difference in our community, fulfilling that purpose, and embodying our values.” said library Director, Julie Milavec.

Library Journal, a professional magazine reporting library news and professional practice, recognizes excellence with two annual awards: the Star Libraries recognition and the Movers and Shakers awards, which recognize outstanding library staff.  DGPL is proud to have received both awards this year. In May of 2022, Cindy Khatri and Van McGary were announced as 2022 Movers and Shakers - Change Agents by Library Journal. In 2020, Downers Grove Public Library was rated as a 4-star library by Library Journal, placing DGPL as one of the top 4.4% of public libraries surveyed in that year.

November 18, 2022:

Click here to read the library's statement about safety at DGPL.

October 28, 2022:

Elevator Update
The library's elevator will be out of order beginning November 7 due to maintenance. This project will last approximately four weeks; at completion, the elevator will be completely updated, with new mechanics and a refinished cabin. While the elevator is out of order, an Adult and Teen Services reference desk and public computers will be available on the first floor. Staff are happy to assist patrons retrieve items from the 2nd floor.

Meeting Room Closure
The meeting room will be unavailable beginning November 7 due to workroom renovations. The meeting room will be unavailable for approximately six months.

September 12, 2022:

Click here to read the library's cancellation notice of Drag Queen Bingo and an updated FAQ.

August 29, 2022:

Click here to read the library's initial statement about Drag Queen Bingo and FAQ.

May 22, 2022:

We're pleased to announce that with the return of the Kids Room Play Cafe and toys, the last of the library's COVID-19 restrictions have come to an end. All of the library's services are now available to patrons. Thank you for your patience and support throughout the pandemic!

March 18, 2022:

The library will be replacing tables throughout the library on Tuesday, March 22. We apologize for any interruptions. Thank you for your patience.

February 17, 2022:

An update on the reintroduction of numerous services and our mask policy:

As of Sunday, February 20:

• In-person programming resumes
• Meeting and conference room reservations are available

As of Monday, February 28:

• Masks will be optional, however, they are strongly encouraged for everyone’s continued safety
  • Masks will be required for all indoor, in-person children's programs. The events calendar will state the requirement in the description for programs to which this applies.
• Food and drinks will be allowed
• The café reopens
• Book-an-Expert, notary, and all other one-on-one services resume
• Wall-mounted manipulatives in the Kids Room will be available

Please note that masks are still required in the library, and for all in-person programming, until February 28.

Until the youngest patrons of our community are eligible for vaccination, masks will be required for all participants (adults and children) of children’s programs. The Play Café and other play areas will remain closed until further notice.

Library leadership carefully considered community transmission rates; decisions by Downers Grove organizations (e.g. Village of Downers Grove, School Dist. 58, School Dist. 99 ); and recommendations by the CDC, IDPH, and DCHD while making these decisions.

We appreciate everyone's patience and commitment to keeping our community safe.

February 14, 2022:

We are pleased to announce that the library's in-person programming and meeting/conference room reservations will return on Sunday, February 20.

Other precautions, such as eating/drinking in the library, the café, media lab, and one-on-one services (Book-An-Expert and notary sessions) will remain suspended until further notice. The library is continuing to monitor and evaluate its precautions.

The library anticipates making an announcement about its mask requirement in the near future. Currently, the library continues to require masks for all patrons (ages 2+), regardless of vaccination status. If you are unable to wear a mask, please call 630-960-1200 for accommodation options.

The health and safety of our patrons and staff are DGPL's top priority. We continue to make our decisions based on public health information and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD). To find reliable information about COVID-19, visit dglibrary.org/covid19.

Thank you for your patience.

January 5, 2022:

With the recent upturn in COVID-19 cases due to the holidays and Omicron variant, the Downers Grove Public Library (DGPL) will be reimplementing some service restrictions. These changes are effective immediately unless otherwise stated, and will be in place until further notice. The library will its reassess precautionary measures at the end of January.

The following services are unavailable:

As of Wednesday, January 5:

• Eating and/or drinking in the library
• Café
• Media Lab
• In-person programming
  • Staff members will reach out to registrants of upcoming programs to notify them if a program has been converted into a virtual or pickup format
• Book-An-Expert sessions
• Notary

As of Friday, January 7:

• Meeting rooms and conference rooms are unavailable*
  • *Study rooms will continue to be available

The library will continue to require masks for all patrons (ages 2+), regardless of vaccination status. If you are unable to wear a mask, please call 630-960-1200 for accommodation options.

If you do not feel safe coming into the library, here are some ways you can still use our services:

• Get materials using our holds lockers (located on Curtiss St.)
• Upcoming and recorded virtual programming
• eLibrary
• Online learning and research databases
• Online library card registration
• Get assistance from staff members by calling the library (630-960-1200), using the chat feature at the bottom of this page, or by emailing askus@dglibrary.org

The health and safety of our patrons and staff are DGPL's top priority. We continue to make our decisions based on public health information and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD). To find reliable information about COVID-19, visit dglibrary.org/covid19.

Thank you for your patience and support in keeping our community safe.

October 20, 2021

September 13, 2021

The library is pleased to announce that study, conference, and meeting rooms, and the media lab, are now available to reserve online! Reservations are available through the end of the year (December 31). Reservations to book a room 6-months in advance (rolling) will be available Monday, November 8.

Get reacquainted with our available rooms and how to book online at dglibrary.org/book-a-room.

August 26, 2021

Starting Monday, August 30, a state-wide mask mandate will be in effect for all individuals (ages 2+) in public spaces. The library will continue to require masks for all patrons, regardless of vaccination status. Patrons who do not wear masks will be asked to leave.

If you are unable to wear a mask or feel safer visiting from afar, DGPL invites you to use our online services. Patrons can get assistance from staff members by calling the library (630-960-1200), using the chat feature at the bottom of this page, or by emailing askus@dglibrary.org. The eLibrary is available 24/7, and many of our programs are available virtually. Holds Lockers will be available soon!

Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.

August 19, 2021

Holds Lockers Installed!

DGPL is excited to share that the new Holds Lockers have been installed! Staff members are in the process of learning how to utilize this new service for patrons. Patrons can expect to be able to place holds for pick up in the lockers before the end of the month. Lockers will allow patrons to pick up their materials any time, 24/7! Watch this page and the library's social media for future updates.

August 7, 2021

The community transmission level in DuPage County is high. For everyone's continued safety, the library will require all patrons, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks during their visit. Patrons who do not wear masks will not receive service.

July 29, 2021

Due to the substantial transmission of COVID-19 in DuPage County, the CDC recommends that everyone, including those who are vaccinated, wear masks while indoors. Masks are strongly encouraged while visiting the library for all patrons. Masks are required in the Kids Room and for one-on-one services such as notary, Book-an-Expert, computer help, and indoor programming.

July 26, 2021

Notary services are available, effective Monday, July 26. All notary services require masks to be worn. Appointments are strongly recommended for this popular service. To make an appointment, and learn more about the library's notary guidelines, please visit dglibrary.org/notary-services.

July 2, 2021

The library is continuing to reopen with the reintroduction of additional services. The following changes will be effective as of Monday, July 5:

• The library returns to regular, pre-pandemic open hours:

Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

• Book-an-Expert sessions resume - masks required
• The Café reopens
• Video gaming in Teen Central reopens
• Printing credits will be reduced to $1.50 per day as the library transitions to the pre-pandemic credit limit.
• Curbside Pickup Service discontinues. Holds Lockers will be installed soon outside near the Curtiss St. entrance.

The library anticipates reintroducing the notary services in late July. The Meeting Room and in-person indoor programming is anticipated to return later in 2021. The library will continue to update patrons as additional services are scheduled to return.

June 17, 2021

On July 5, Curbside Pickup service will be discontinued due to the high levels of staffing it requires. To increase accessibility, the library will be installing Holds Lockers outside near the Curtiss St. entrance, to the right of the book return. Patrons that require an accommodation may call 630-960-1200. The closure of Curbside Pickup will allow the library to reopen the café to the public.

The library will also return to its regular, pre-pandemic hours on July 5:

Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

June 11, 2021

As the state of Illinois enters Phase 5 in its reopening plan, DGPL is excited to announce that it has entered the next phase in the library’s reopening plan: Bridge To Our New Normal. This phase will reintroduce more services and pre-pandemic policies.

The library will continue to have some restrictions in place to help protect our community members that have yet to be vaccinated, those that are unable to be vaccinated, and our youngest patrons that are still not eligible for vaccination. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as the library continues to reopen.

Below are the updates that will take effect June 11:

Masks

• Masks are strongly recommended for unvaccinated patrons. For everyone’s continued safety, masks are encouraged.
• Masks are required for everyone (adults, children ages 2+, and staff) in the Kids Room until our youngest patrons are eligible for vaccination.

Services

• All regular customer service practices will resume.
• Water fountains and water bottle stations will be available.
• Study rooms will continue to use the current same-day reservation method.
• Computer usage will no longer require reservations.
• Printing credits will be reduced to $3 per day as the library transitions to the pre-pandemic credit limit.
• Eating/drinking will be allowed in the library (outside of the Kids Room and public computer area).
• Three socially distanced computer stations will be made available in the Kids Room.
• Toys/playthings in the Kids Room will still be unavailable.
• Cleaning procedures will return to pre-pandemic level and schedule.
• Furniture will be reintroduced.

The final elements of our services will be reintroduced as time goes on and some of the physical spaces will be made available with the reintroduction of furniture. We anticipate notary services to be reintroduced in early July. Due to the advanced planning that programming requires, indoor in-person programs are anticipated for reintroduction in late summer or early fall. 

MAY 19, 2021
An update on our mask policy:

In order to protect our community members that are yet to be vaccinated or unable to be vaccinated, such as our youngest patrons, the library will continue to require masks for all patrons for the time being, regardless of vaccination status. This decision is in keeping with the library's phased reopening plan, phase 4. Library administration will review the next steps in its reopening plan upon the state's entry into Restore Illinois Phase 5. We appreciate your consideration and support.

MAY 13, 2021
An update on our mask policy:

The recently released updated CDC mask guidelines for vaccinated adults have left many patrons wondering what is needed to visit the library. For now, the library will continue to require masks for all visitors, regardless of vaccination status, until further guidance is received by the state. Library administrators are reviewing the CDC’s updates and evaluating DGPL’s next steps.

Please continue to watch this page for more information. Thank you for your patience and support as we continue to navigate the quickly evolving guidelines.

MAY 6,2021
Update to Library Services

The library is pleased to announce the reintroduction of study rooms! The reintroduction of private work spaces for the public has been highly anticipated. DGPL is thrilled to offer this important service to the community again.

• Study rooms may be reserved for same-day walk-up reservations by any patron. Cardholders may call or email to reserve a table for later that same day.
• Study rooms may be reserved for 1.5 hours (90 minutes); patrons must follow the library’s two-hour visiting limit.
• Masks must be worn at all times while using a study room.
• Food and drink may not be consumed in a study room.
• Each room will have two chairs available for patrons. A group of four may use a room together by requesting two additional chairs at the service desk.
• Tables and chairs are cleaned in adherence to the most recent CDC Guidelines.

APRIL 26, 2021
Update to Library Services

The Downers Grove Public Library (DGPL) is pleased to announce that it is reintroducing services that have been unavailable due to the pandemic. Services that are now available include

• Tables and chairs

• Additional seating throughout the library

• Computer laptop checkouts (must have a table reservation)

• Daily newspaper access

• Annual computer guest passes

Patrons are encouraged to see staff for assistance with tables and chairs due to high demand. Annual computer guest passes allow non-cardholders to utilize the library’s computers, printers, and scanner without a library card. Guest passes are available by simply registering at the Computer Help Desk with an ID. There are no residency requirements to obtain a guest pass.

Additionally, starting Monday, May 3, the library will be returning to its pre-pandemic opening time: Monday - Saturday 9 a.m.

All other library rules and guidelines for COVID-19 safety remain in place, including properly wearing masks, and refraining from food and drink. The health and safety of our patrons and staff is DGPL's top priority. The library follows the most current cleaning guidelines from the CDC. All decisions are based on public health information and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD).

MARCH 31, 2021
Update to Library Services: Limited Seating and Annual Guest Passes

The library is pleased to announce the reintroduction of limited public tables and chairs in the Adult and Teen Services Department and Kids Room. Three tables are available in both departments. Reservations can last for up to 1.5 hours per day, per group, with a total of four people seated at a table at once.  Walk up reservations are allowed for any patron of the library, and DGPL cardholders may book in advance for same-day reservations by calling or emailing the contact information provided below. All other library rules and guidelines for COVID-19 safety remain in place, including properly wearing masks and refraining from food and drink.

Additionally, the library’s Computer Help Desk will be transitioning to the use of annual guest passes for computer use on April 5. Guest passes allow non-cardholders to utilize the library’s computers, printers, and scanner without a library card. Guest passes are available by simply registering at the Computer Help Desk with an ID. There are no residency requirements to obtain a guest pass. The Downers Grove Public Library hopes that moving to the annual pass will increase equitable access to computers for patrons. The move to annual passes is part of an effort to minimize physical transactions in the library, helping to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19.

Ask Us Desk
askus@dglibrary.org
630-960-1200 ext. 4274

Kids Room Desk
kidsdesk@dglibrary.org
630-960-1200 ext. 4279

Computer Help Desk
computerdesk@dglibrary.org
630-960-1200 ext. 4288

MARCH 29, 2021
Roofing Project Continues Focus on Long Term Capital Needs

Starting March 29, DGPL will continue to address the capital projects laid out in the 2017 Capital Needs Assessment. The roof replacement project will add a new membrane with a 30 year warranty to the flat portion of the library roof. This membrane will increase the energy efficiency of the roof system. Additionally, the project will address drainage issues. Publicly bid in January, the project was awarded to the lowest responsible bidder (Riddiford Roofing) in February.

The safety of our patrons is very important. Safety measures, such as fencing off work areas and placing extra dumpsters near the library, are expected to be used. Entrance areas will be done during hours the library is closed to the public. The new liquid membrane roof is biobased, with little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can be used in occupied hospitals, schools, and libraries.

Continue to check this page for the latest updates. 

JANUARY 25, 2021
Message from Director, Julie Milavec:

With the return of Illinois Region 8 to Resurgence Mitigation Tier 2 and the reopening of the village of Downers Grove’s facilities to the public today, I am pleased to announce the anticipated reopening of DGPL to the public on Monday, February 1.

DGPL will reopen for visits of 1 hour per person, per day, entering and exiting through the Forest Street entrance only. Computer appointments of 45 minutes per person, per day will be available and advance reservation strongly encouraged. All visitors, including those who have been vaccinated, must wear a mask over their nose and mouth at all times while in the library. Anyone not wearing a mask properly will be asked to leave the library.

Our popular Curbside Pickup service will remain available, operating through the Curtiss Street entrance, which remains closed to the public with an anticipated opening date of February 15. Discovery and Maker Monday bags will be available in-library only. Curbside service may take a few minutes longer once the library reopens; we thank everyone for their patience. Anyone unable to wear a mask may contact the library for an ADA accommodation. Access to our e-library and other resources remains available from the comfort of home, 24/7. Our friendly staff is available to help through phone calls and email.

The health and safety of our patrons and staff is DGPL's top priority. We continue to make our decisions based on public health information and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD). This announcement is made with the acknowledgement that the library will be prepared to reopen, but the reality of this fast-changing public health situation may impact those plans before they can be enacted, or soon after implementation, as it did in March and November.

Thank you for your patience and support in keeping our community safe.

JANUARY 11, 2021
Message from Director, Julie Milavec:

As 2021 begins, curious community members and staff alike are asking when DGPL will reopen to the public. The simple answer is that no date has been set for reopening. In the meantime, library management and staff members are hard at work preparing for the time when we can open our doors to the public.

Even as we plan for a future reopening, it is important to consider preparedness vs. reality. While the library will be prepared to reopen to the public as soon as health and safety metrics allow, the reality of this fast-changing public health situation may impact those plans before they can be enacted, as it did in March and November.

The health and safety of our patrons and staff is DGPL's top priority. We continue to make our decisions based on public health information and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD).

With the Village of Downers Grove facilities closed to the public and all regions in Illinois currently under Restore Illinois Phase 4, Tier 3 Mitigations, DGPL is preparing to reopen while remaining flexible to respond to the latest information on this public health crisis. When a date is selected, it will be announced on our website and social media. No date has been determined at this time.

Until we are able to welcome you back into the building, the library remains open for our popular curbside service. Patrons can get access to our e-library and other resources at dglibrary.org from the comfort of their home, 24/7. Our friendly staff is available to help through phone calls and email.

Thank you for your patience and support in keeping our community safe.

NOVEMBER 13, 2020
Message from Director, Julie Milavec:

The health and safety of our patrons and staff is DGPL's top priority. We have been following the recommendations provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD). As the spread of COVID-19 surges, IDPH is recommending that everyone in Illinois should avoid all non-essential activities over the next three weeks and that residents remain at home "as much as possible" heading into the Thanksgiving holiday.

To help slow the spread of the virus, the library will be closed to the public starting Monday, November 16, 2020 until further notice. This roll back to Phase 2, Curbside Pickup, of the library's reopening plan was not an easy decision to make and will, with everyone's diligence in following IDPH's recommendations, be a brief change.

Curbside Pickup service will be available Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and  Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.. DGPL will continue to offer services digitally and by phone. Staff will be available by chat, email, and telephone to answer questions or help you choose items to place on hold for curbside pickup. Virtual programming continues. Discovery Bags and Make and Take crafts will be available for curbside pickup. Book returns are open.

 If you need services that are not available virtually or through Curbside, contact us for additional accommodations by chat, email, or telephone.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We look forward to resuming in-person visits as soon as possible!

JUNE 29, 2020 : Reopening Press Release

JUNE 22, 2020

Effective Monday, June 22, the library will begin to quarantine returned materials for three days. Previously, the library had been quarantining items for seven days. This change in procedure is made in response to the results of the REALM Project's research study of how long the COVID-19 virus lives on library materials; the virus was not detectable on hardback book covers, softback book covers, plain paper pages, plastic book coverings, or DVD cases after three days of quarantine. The change in the quarantine period will help to expedite the Curbside Pickup process and ensure that more materials are available for patrons to enjoy. The health and safety are of the utmost importance to the Downers Grove Public Library, and all decisions on material handling are guided by science and health-driven information.

Learn more about the REALM Project's research here. 

JUNE 10, 2020
Message from the Director, Julie Milavec:

The Downers Grove Public Library is working on planning its next steps in its phased reopening.

Starting June 20, the library’s Curbside Pickup service will be extended to include weekend hours: Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m.. Monday through Friday, hours of operation remain 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.. We appreciate the community’s patience as we work hard to get through our holds list quickly as we can. The staff is thrilled to be able to get physical materials to you again. We're doing our best to meet the incredible demand while continuing to follow best practices for everyone's health and safety.

The next step in the library's reopening plan is to reopen the building for limited public services during limited hours of operation. It is essential that we get it right to protect community health and continue to follow best practices for each service and space we reopen. Public libraries do not fall under any one set of reopening guidelines, requiring careful consideration of differing recommendations. We are rearranging the physical space of the building to allow for social distancing. We are creating new procedures and training staff. We appreciate all of the community’s support and patience as we prepare this next step in our phased reopening.

In the meantime, Summer Reading Club is underway! Virtual services and Curbside Pickup remain available. If you’re missing our reference desk, virtual chat is now available from 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and will also extend to include Saturday and Sunday hours on June 20.

I hope to update you soon with the official announcement of the next step in our phased reopening plan. Thank you for your support of the library.

MAY 28, 2020
Message from the Director, Julie Milavec:

As Illinois moves into Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan, the Downers Grove Public Library is working on planning its next steps in its phased reopening.

Starting June 1, the library’s Curbside Pickup service will be extended. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday,  9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.. Since launching Curbside Pickup on May 20, the library has served approximately 100 cars a day, and processed through over 2,300 holds. We appreciate the community’s patience as we learn our new normal of service for physical materials, and get through our holds list as fast as possible with average wait times lasting about a week. Many staff members have shared how much joy it brings them to see patrons excited for their new materials!

Launching Curbside Pickup has been a huge step forward in the library’s phased reopening plan. Next, the management team will work hard on identifying ways the library can be open for limited hours and services to the public. This next step in the library’s phased reopening plan will take a lot of consideration, planning, and design. How the library approaches its next step will have a large impact on the community’s health. It is essential that we get it right, as we circulate thousands of materials to hundreds of families each week.

Included in our planning discussions will be how we rearrange the physical space of the building to allow for social distancing, which services will be available to the community at the start of our building reopening, and how to continually clean and disinfect high-traffic areas. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg for what needs to be considered before we reopen the building to the public. We appreciate all of the community’s support and patience as we prepare this next step in our phased reopening.

In the meantime, all of our virtual services and Curbside Pickup remain available and open for patrons to use. A great month of programming is ahead of us, including a book discussion, a virtual teen art show, Summer Reading Club, and more. Our newest database, Universal Class, offers over 700 classes and training for individuals on a wide range of topics, ranging from homeschooling and professional development to hobbies and crafts. If you’re missing our reference desk, the virtual chat hours have been extended, and are now available from 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our librarians would love to help you find what you need!

I hope to update you soon with news on our next steps in our phased reopening plan. Thank you for your support of the library.

MAY 18, 2020
Message from the Director, Julie Milavec:

The Downers Grove Public Library is starting its Curbside Pickup service on Wednesday, May 20. Initiating Curbside Pickup is the next step in the library’s phased reopening plan.

The health and safety of the Downers Grove Community is at the forefront of our decision making. The implementation of Curbside Pickup has been carefully considered and planned, with great attention to safe material handling, social distancing, and workflow. Phase I of our reopening plan focused on preparing the library building for staff to return to work safely with proper distancing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Reliable supply lines have been secured, schedules have been spaced to allow for regular disinfecting, and workspaces have been altered and reassigned to allow for our next phase. In addition to preparing our workspaces and PPE, staff have worked hard to process and reshelve books that were left behind when we closed on March 13, prepare hundreds of holds, and create a new system for patrons to get materials.

Curbside Pickup requires a lot of planning and precaution. To ensure that our staff and community stay safe, here are just some of the steps the library is taking:

• All returns are quarantined for a minimum of 7 days (guidelines set by the CDC and IDPH recommend 3 days for disinfection).
• Staff report to work only if they (and family members) are healthy.
• Limited staff members are allowed in the building at the same time.
• Social distancing guidelines are closely followed.
• Staff and patrons have limited contact during Curbside Pickup.
• PPE is provided for staff members. All staff are encouraged to wash their hands frequently.
• Workspaces are regularly cleaned with sanitizer.

Patrons who wish to receive a Curbside Pickup order are encouraged to go onto their accounts and place holds. An email will be sent when items are ready for pickup, and patrons can text or call to let us know when they arrive. Three 15-minute Curbside Pickup parking spots have been reserved on Curtiss Street. Library staff members will place a bag with up to 10 items in your trunk. For everyone’s safety, staff members will not take returns from cars or patrons in a Curbside Pickup transaction. Returns can be put in any of the four Book Returns, located on Forest Ave. and Curtiss St.

For more information on Curbside Pickup, visit dglibrary.org/curbside.

In addition to our new Curbside Pickup service, we continue to offer virtual services, answering your questions via chat and email, online card registration, virtual programs, access to the eLibrary and Research Database, and our Summer Reading Club. The library continues to monitor recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and local health authorities, in addition to the State of Illinois for guidance in our next steps and when we can introduce the next phase in our reopening plan.

Thank you for your continued patience. We look forward to sharing physical materials with you in the next step in our phased reopening plan.

MAY 5, 2020
Message from the Director, Julie Milavec:

The Downers Grove Public Library has begun its phased reopening plan by opening book drops on May 4. We are proceeding with an abundance of caution. The health and safety of the Downers Grove community is at the forefront of our decision making. 

Thank you for your continued patience.

APRIL 24, 2020:
Message from the Director, Julie Milavec:

This has been quite a time for libraries and I am very proud of the work that the Downers Grove Public Library has been doing to continue library service using digital content and virtual reference. As of April 24, the Governor's modified order has not yet been signed or released in full text. When it is, the Illinois library leaders will review the order and will be making a recommendation to  libraries as to how this modified order defines curbside service for libraries. There is much to be done by libraries to prepare for curbside service. It will take the library staff a few weeks to get “our house in order”.  When we closed on March 13th, we simply closed the doors and sent staff home for safety.  We need to reshelve all the books that were left behind. We need to work on staff social distance spaces. We need to work with the SWAN catalog consortium on how the catalog and hold systems can support curbside service.

We cannot take in any materials until library material safety quarantine studies are released. Until we get those guidelines in place, we are asking library users to keep their materials in their homes. We also need to be able to access a regular supply of the necessary PPE for the safety of the staff. In a typical month, we circulate nearly 100,000 physical items to thousands of local residents. What we do and how we do it has a huge impact on community health. There are still many, many unanswered questions and work that needs to be done before we can safely think about physical library material service. We must follow the recommendations of health professionals and experts, and we just don’t have all the information or resources needed yet.

We have a phased reopening plan set to go when we have the information, resources, and guidance to open again.  My staff and I are as eager to get back into the building as we know our community is. We continue to offer virtual services and resources and look forward to being able to share physical materials again. I am thrilled that we registered hundreds of new library cards in the last few weeks. We truly are able to be a lifeline to the residents, schools and businesses with virtual services.

I look forward to the day I will be able to make an announcement to the community on how and when the library will begin reopening in the next few weeks.

Thank you for your continued patience.

MARCH 13, 2020:

In consultation with the Village of Downers Grove, Downers Grove School Grade District 58, Community High School District 99, and the Downers Grove Park District, Downers Grove Library canceled all programs and closed the library to the public, starting March 14 until further notice out of an abundance of caution in response to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

The library is currently closed until further notice. We will continue to monitor the situation and reassess as more information becomes available.

Closing the library is an extraordinarily difficult decision that we have made only because of these extraordinary circumstances. The health and safety of our patrons and staff is our first priority. Early actions to increase social distancing are the best way to contain the spread of COVID-19, according to the CDC. We feel that closing the library is the best way to protect the health of our community at this time. While we are closed, we will carry out extra cleaning and disinfecting of the building.

We will stop charging all overdue fines, waive all existing overdue fines, and extend due dates on all currently checked out materials until May 1. Don’t return anything while we are closed. Just stay home and enjoy!

You can also continue to use the library without visiting by downloading eBooks; listening to downloadable and streaming audiobooks; streaming movies and TV shows; streaming music; reading digital comics, newspapers, and magazines; taking online classes; and much more. Browse our website for information about checking out online materials and resources.

Stay connected with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for more ideas for things to do with your library card, and ways to stay healthy and happy during this complicated time.

Once our facilities reopen, we will do our best to rescheduled missed programs and meeting room bookings. Library staff is working on a detailed plan for refunds for meeting room bookings, which will be communicated to individuals with affected room bookings as soon as possible.

As you know, many of our facilities are community gathering spaces welcoming large numbers of visitors each day. The health and safety of our patrons and staff is of top priority. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time. We look forward to seeing you online and in person again soon.

See DGPL's Closure Press Release