This page will be updated regularly as needed. Last updated 4/17/2020.
Watch this space! More information coming about curbside pick-up soon!
The Milwaukee County Federated Library Council released this FAQ based on decisions made by area library directors.
Coronavirus and Library Services FAQ
http://www.mcfls.org/covid-faq.asp
These changes affect all public libraries in Milwaukee County.
We will continue to post more information as it becomes available.
Due Dates, Holds and Fines
Q: What happened to the Request button in the catalog?
A: The Request button has been removed to prevent holds from building on materials and to help manage delivery volume. Delivery system-wide has been suspended until at least April 1st for the safety of our staff, patrons and communities.
Q: I have materials checked out and libraries are closing. What do I do?
A: All library materials currently checked out have had their due dates extended to June 1st, 2020. We advise you to keep your library materials at this time until libraries re-open.
Q: Will I get fines?
A: Because the due dates for items currently checked out have been extended to May 1st, fines should not accrue. If they do, please email reference@wfblibrary.org. FYI, the extension and waiving of fines for current materials does not affect fines on materials that were due before March 1, 2020.
How to Get an Updated Card to Access Digital Materials
Q: What if my library card is set to expire?
A: All patron accounts set to expire September 2019 or later have been extended to May 31st, 2020 or later.
For Whitefish Bay Patrons- If your card expiration is older than September 2019, please click here to register for an e-card that will give you access to digital resources. Ignore the usual wording about this being only for “new” cards. That doesn’t apply during the current emergency.
Q: What resources can I use at home?
A: Click here to view electronic resources you can use anywhere.
Q: How can I get access to these resources if I don't have a card?
A: All Milwaukee County residents can sign up for a library card that gives you access to resources like hoopla or OverDrive/Libby. For more information or to sign up click here.
Q: What if I can’t login because I don’t know my pin?
A: You can reset it at https://bit.ly/3d7teYJ.
Q: If I have lot of fines, can I still use resources like hoopla and OverDrive/Libby?
A: Libraries have agreed to several measures to increase access:
Q: Do I need a special app to access digital resources?
You will first need to go to the library’s subscription page to register for each product online. If you simply google the product and go to their website, it won’t connect to our paid subscription. https://www.wfblibrary.org/read_research/
In your app store search for:
Programming and Services
Q: Are there any online story hours I can attend with my child?
A: Whitefish Bay Public Library will be livestreaming storytime on our Facebook page. Check our website and Facebook page regularly for new online programming.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/whitefishbaypubliclibrary/posts/?ref=page_internal
Q: What about a book delivery service?
A: Home delivery is not feasible at this time. The goal of the closure is to reduce risk of transmission of the virus; home delivery would still incur that risk.
Q: I sent something to mobile printing, how do I pick it up?
A: We are not able to provide access to our printers at this time. The company that provides the mobile printing service is not able to mark us as offline, so we apologize for the confusion and thank you for your understanding.