In case you’ve missed the news – Malta Township Public Library will be closed during the month of September to allow for renovation on the interior of the original building, built back in 1923.
While some things are being boxed and moved into the new addition already, staff and volunteers will be moving everything out of the old and into the new on Thursday and Friday, September 1st and 2nd. On Saturday the 3rd, the renovation project will begin.
Staff will continue to work throughout the month, weeding, digitizing files, cleaning, and locating materials for our patrons. Yes, you read that correctly; materials will still be available for checkout. So, if the building is closed, how will this work? Let me tell you.
• Library users are asked to come into the library from now until the last day of August to pick up your reading needs for a month. Materials will be checked out to you with a due date of October 5, although you can always use the drop box to return when finished.
• We will still be doing Interlibrary Loan, so create your holds in your account, e-mail your request to the library @ info.maltalibrary.org, or phone during regular library hours @ 815-825-2525. You will receive notice when materials arrive.
• Beginning Saturday, September 10, the library will be open to the public between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for the purpose of picking up materials that are on hold. Please use the left door due to construction project on other side. Due to the overflowing of items, shelves, books and furniture, individuals will not be allowed to browse through materials; this is for safety and insurance purposes.
• Homeschooling families and other students requiring materials for school projects simply need to contact us at the library and we will get the materials together. If needed before the next Saturday, staff and board members will be making home delivery.

It is our goal to make this closure as easy on our community as possible. We apologize to those who rely upon our computers. Remember you can always use other area libraries and Kishwaukee College. Our Wi-Fi is always available 24/7, although there could be a short time on Sept 1st or 2nd while servers are being moved.
AMNESTY – if you have library materials you have not returned for weeks, months, or even years, and the items are still in usable condition (at director’s discretion), return them during this time, and charges on these items will be waived, no explanation necessary.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Can’t wait to see the finished project.