DeKalb County Library System Re-Opening Guidelines

June 15, 2020
By:

The DeKalb County Libraries will re-open to the public on Wednesday, June 17th by appointment only. There will be safety guidelines that are to be followed by the library and the public as mandated by the CDC, State and Federal Government on the COVID-19 Pandemic. These guidelines are being implemented to insure the safety and well-being of the community and our library staff and are subject to change depending upon the current health situation and regulations. We want to work with the public in providing as many services as possible in a safe and welcoming environment.

This is a list of the guidelines that have to be followed in order for the libraries to re-open to the public.

The patron will need to call and schedule an appointment time to enter the library. The appropriate amount of time will be allotted for their visit depending on the service that the patron requires.

The public can only enter Justin Potter Library from the side door next to the City Hall for their appointment. The front door is for Curb Side service only.

The computer usage is limited to a one hour session per day. The first priority will be for those needing to apply for jobs, school work, census, unemployment sign up. There will only be three computers available for use in order to keep social distancing. The computer keyboard and mouse will be cleaned between patron visits. One on one assistance is not available during this time. Wi-Fi is available outside the building 24/7.

Patrons will have an allotted amount of time to check out books and movies. There will be a limited number of people allowed in the library at one time. This way we can accommodate as many people as possible each day in a safe environment. All returned items need to be placed in the outside book drop before you enter the library. We will not accept returned items inside the library. Returned items will be quarantined for 72 hours before being checked out again.

Please help keep everyone inside safe by wearing a mask, having your temperature taken and honor social distancing when you enter the library. There will be hand sanitizer available for use by the door. Please stay home if you are ill or running a fever.

The library will continue to provide curbside service with printing and faxing to those who are not able to meet these safety guidelines or that are concerned about entering the library. There may be parts of the library that have limited access due to the availability of cleaning supplies. These areas would need to be cleaned after each visit.

Library staff have missed everyone and look forward to welcoming our patrons back into the library. We appreciate the public’s understanding and co-operation during this stage of the libraries re-opening process. For further information call Justin Potter Library at 615-597-4359 or Alexandria Library at 615-529-4124, visit us on Facebook or our website at www.dekalblibraries.net.

June 15, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

It’s Senior Pet Days at the DeKalb Animal Shelter!

Introducing “Rocky” and “Harley”, the WJLE/DeKalb Animal Shelter featured “Pets of the Week”

Both are 10 years old and need new homes.

DeKalb Animal Shelter employees Emmaly Bennett and Jennifer Angaran with Rocky and Harley from dwayne page on Vimeo.

“Rocky, a Black Lab mix, and Harley, a Blue Heeler mix, were owner surrenders so they came from the same household. They are our senior pets this week. They are really sweet babies. Both get along with other dogs and love people. We’re not sure about how they do with children or cats so if you are interested in adopting them please set up an appointment to meet Rocky and Harley and you may bring your children or cat to see how well they get along,” said Shelter employee Emmaly Bennett.

Rocky and Harley are among six senior pets currently at the shelter and all are available for adoption at $50 each. The fee covers the cost of spay or neuter and  all up to date vaccinations..

“To adopt Rocky and Harley, go to our website. www.dekalbanimalcoalition.org and look for a tab to fill out an application. Fill it out and email it back to us. We will call to set up an appointment time for you to come in and meet them to see if they are a perfect fit for you,” said Bennett.

The DeKalb Animal Shelter is currently only open by appointment due to Covid-19.

“If you are interested in any of our dogs and cats fill out an adoption application and send it to our email. We will call and set up a time for you to come in and meet your favorite pet and go from there. We are not currently open to the public for in-person visits but all our pets are posted online. Stay up to date with us on our website, facebook page, or Instagram,” said Shelter Director Megan Moore.

June 15, 2020
By:

Although there will not be an official DeKalb County Clean Up Day this year, the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce and the DeKalb County Mayor’s office would like to encourage residents across the county to participate in helping to keep DeKalb County looking nice by picking up litter around your neighborhoods, parks, ballfields, and other community gathering places. Beautiful, clean public and residential areas positively impact the lives of its area residents, visitors, and businesses.

County Mayor Tim Stribling says, “We invite people to help clean up around our communities and highways. This year, folks are welcome to pick up litter at places of their choice at their own convenience.”

Suzanne Williams, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce stated, “Even with the recent changes and challenges, like our events being canceled or postponed due to the recent pandemic, we still hope that everyone will do their part to keep our county looking beautiful and ready for the visitors who are already starting to come. Whether you’re cleaning up around a street, a highway, park, ball field, stream, or your own home, what a difference we can make through working together to make our communities safer, healthier and more livable!”

We all have a role to play in the prevention of litter. It takes just one person, one school, one business, one organization to positively impact the behavior of others in their community.

Everyone is invited to post your DeKalb County Clean Up pictures on the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber FaceBook page. So, Don’t Just Sit There…Do Something Beautiful!