By CARZ NELSON

We live in changing times. For updated information on Hennepin County Library services during the Coronavirus Pandemic, visit www.hclib.org. All information is accurate as of March 16, 2021. 

LIBRARY UPDATES: HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY QUITS CHARGING FINES 

The library has gone fine free. Patrons will no longer be charged for overdue material, but they will continue to be responsible for the replacement cost of unreturned or lost items. An item is considered unreturned 41 days after its due date. 

To kick off the new policy, the county extended amnesty to residents with outstanding fines. On March 10, all Hennepin County Library cards were reset to a $0 balance.

LABOR PROGRAMS LED BY UMN”™S LABOR EDUCATION SERVICE 

We got a hot tip that HCLib is sponsoring programs that will be led by the University of Minnesota”™s Labor Education Service. Registration information for these events will be made available on the library website. 

Thursday April 29th at 6:00 PM- Know Your Rights in the Workplace- Learn about your rights whether or not you”™re represented by a union. Learn about legislations and organizations that protect workers”™ rights. 

Thursday May 6th at 6:30 PM-Celebrating May Day: Workers of the Twin Cities Labor Movement- Workers from Tattersall Distilling, Ausburg University, and the Awood Center talk about recent organizing campaigns in their workplaces. 

East Lake Library Grab&Go 

East Lake Library, located at 2727 E. Lake St., is open for Grab and Go service 

Sunday 12-5 PM; Mon, Tues, Thurs 9 AM to 5 PM Wednesday 12-8 PM. 

Franklin Library 

1413 E Franklin Ave., is open for computer use only. Call (612) 543-6925 to make an appointment. The building will remain locked, but staff will let you in at your appointment time. Masks are required and will be provided if you do not bring one. Because of social distancing, staff will be unable to offer computer assistance. You will have access to a desktop computer, Internet, and printing. You will need to bring your own headphones. 

At this time, Franklin Library is open for computer use ONLY. Other areas and services, including book/DVD checkout, are not available. Returns are accepted during staffed service hours. 

Franklin Computer Hours 

Tues & Weds ”“ 9 AM to 5 PM 

Thursday ”“ Noon to 8 PM 

Friday & Sat ”“ 9 AM to 5 PM 

Sunday & Monday ”“ Closed 

HOSMER LIBRARY

Hosmer Library, 347 E 36 th St., is open for retrieving holds, limited browsing of materials, checking out items, returning library materials, quick reference support, computer appointments and printing. 

Meeting rooms, study rooms, children”™s play areas, and lounges will not be available for use at this time. 

Masks are required and will be provided if you don”™t bring one. Check the library website for up-to-date service information and hours. 

Due Dates Extended 

Due dates for physical materials continue to be automatically extended. You are not required to return materials at this time. Libraries are accepting returns during staffed service hours only. Items will be removed from your account after a three-day quarantine. 

Outdoor Wifi Available at Franklin & Hosmer Libraries 

Free Wi-Fi is available in the parking lots and grounds of several Hennepin County libraries, including Franklin and Hosmer. Library staff can help you find the best signal. 

Homework Help 

Live, virtual tutors are available through Help Now www. hclib.org/programs/homework-help. 

At-Home Service 

At Home service is provided free of charge to Hennepin County residents who can”™t get to a library due to illness, disability, or visual impairment. To apply for At Home service, submit an online application or apply by phone 612-543-8850 Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM. 

Expanded Hours for Libary Social Worker 

A social worker is available outside the library at Franklin Library Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 AM ”“ 5 PM, East Lake Library Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 AM-5 PM. 

Basic needs (clothing, food, meals, shelter) 

Chemical Health 

Disability Services 

Education & Employment 

Hennepin County Benefits 

Housing 

A listening ear 

Mental Health Resources 

Transportation 

E-Books and Audiobooks 

Libby: Available for iOS and Android devices; use the app to access downloadable ebooks and audiobooks. 

Cloud Library 

Downloadable ebooks for readers of all ages. A reader app is available for Apple, Android and other devices. 

Online Services 

Go to the library without leaving home. Here are just a few of the services available at www. hclib.org: 

Tools for job searches 

Ancestry Library Edition and other resources to research family history 

Local music on MNspin 

Ask Us: Have a reference or library account question? Call, text, chat with, or email a library worker. 

www.hclib.org/contact 

Call 612-543-KNOW (5669) 

to reach library staff by phone. 

Mon to Thurs ”“ 9 AM to 9 PM 

Friday & Sat ”“ 9 AM to 5 PM 

Sunday ”“ Noon to 5 PM 

ESPAÑOL/SPANISH: Llame o envie un texto al 651-503-8013 para recibir ayuda en español. 

HMOOB/HMONG: Hu losis text rau lub tsev nyeem ntawv ntawm 612-385-0886 txais kev pab hais lus Hmoob. 

SOOMAALI/SOMALI: Caawimaad Soomaali ah, soo wac ama qoraal (text) usoo dir maktabada 612-235-1339. 

Carz is a Phillips resident and an enthusiastic patron of Hennepin County Library. 

The Alley Newspaper is a member of 

Give. And light a fire under inequality. 

www.changeisbetter.com 

(651) 647-0440 

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