Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By CHARITY SMITH
Libraries in Wakefield, Bessemer and Ironwood will resume in person services this week. These libraries have only been offering curbside services since October.
“It’s been a tough couple of months, so we are excited to open,” said Joel Laessig, director of the Wakefield Library.
Laessig said the closure has been particularly hard on library patrons who don’t have internet access at home. He said that people use the library for internet access to file for unemployment and do their taxes, and make appointments at the secretary of state, amongst other things.
“With the libraries being closed for so long, even though we were open for curbside, people are being forced to find other avenues,” he said. “Whether it’s computers or getting movies, or getting books. I have some patrons who purchased smart TVs because the libraries were closed for browsing.”
“We’re hoping to get those people back,” Laessig said. “People have kind of gotten out of the habit of going to the library. We’re hoping that we haven’t lost them permanently and that we get them back.”
He said several people have already called to inquire about computer time in order to file their taxes. While the internet is available in the library parking lot a lot of people don’t have a laptop computer they can use in the car, he said.
“We’re really looking forward to having the door back open, so that people can take care of business,” Laessig said.
The Wakefield Library will resume in-person services Monday. The library is open Monday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.
Those entering the building are reminded to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing. Curbside pickup is still available by calling the library ahead of time at 906-229-5236.
The Bessemer Public Library will resume in person services on Monday, as well. Visitors must call the library for an appointment before visiting at 906-667-0404.
“We’ve had a lot of people using the curbside service, but I know that people are anxious to get back in and look around for themselves,” said Melissa Lupino, director of the Bessemer Public Library. “We’re looking forward to it. It’s been quite awhile.”
Computer appointments will be available for no more than 30 minutes per day with limited help available, according to a press release.
“Masks are absolutely required — no ifs, ands or buts about it — if you can’t or won’t wear one, please use our curbside or delivery options,” Lupino said in the release.
The Bessemer library will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m to 4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch noon-12:30 p.m.) and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
The Ironwood Carnegie Library will resume in-person services on Thursday. Its hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Ironwood library is closed on Wednesday.
