Appleton Public Library open for appointments

Appleton Public Library is open for appointment-based services. Available services include: public computer/printing sessions; copying, scanning and faxing services; registration for new library cards; holds pick-up; and notary services. Some services will be unavailable during the first reopening phase – see the list below.

Available Services:

     • Public Computer/Printing Sessions
     • Copying and Faxing Services
     • New Library Card Registration
     • Holds Pick-Up
     • Notary Public Services

Unavailable Services:

     • Browsing the Collection
     • In-depth Staff Help
     • Library Seating (Except at computers)
     • Children's Area
     • Meeting and Study Rooms
     • Job, Career and Tax assistance
     • In-person Programming
     • Seed Library & Explore Fox Cities

During this phase, appointments are available Monday-Friday, 10:15 am - 5:00 pm and Saturday 10:15 am – 1:00 pm. In addition, appointments are available Monday-Saturday from 9:00 am – 10:15 am for at-risk and senior populations. To schedule your appointment, please call (920) 832-6173.

The safety of the public and our staff is the library's number one priority. Here are a few updates and guidelines to expect at your appointment:

• Additional safety measures at service desks and sanitizing throughout the building.
• Face masks are required in the building.
• Please practice physical distancing and remain 6 feet from others.
• Please do not enter the building if you feel ill.

As a special note – the outdoor book drop is open, and the library welcomes your returns. Materials checked out before the building closed (not materials checked out via curbside) have a due date of Monday, July 13. If you are unable to return materials, please call (920) 832-6173. 

For more information, please see the appointments page. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out – askus@apl.org or (920) 832-6173.

Summer Point in Time Count Information 

It's that time of the year again! Planning for the summer Point in Time Count is well on it's way and the Point in Time Committee is gearing up for another successful count. As expected because of COVID-19, there will be some adjustments to ensure the safety and well-being of our volunteers who assist with this event. Please read through the e-mail and the attached sign-up to review some of the changes that are being made. 

For those of you unfamiliar with the Point in Time Count, twice a year, the Fox Cities Housing Coalition, in conjunction with homeless and housing providers across the community, coordinate a local count of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Fox Cities called the Point in Time Count. Groups of volunteers are led by coalition staff members throughout the Fox Cities in an effort to identify persons residing on the streets, in campgrounds, under bridges and other places not meant for human habitation, in an effort to provide outreach and engagement to those in our community that are in need of housing resources.

For the past several years, the Fox Cities has seen a marked increase in individuals and families seeking homeless services, which has translated to more people sleeping in places not meant for human habitation. By assisting the coalition in conducting the count, not only are we able to better communicate the need for housing within our community, but more importantly it provides us with an opportunity to engage and connect with individuals on the streets so we can begin assisting them in transitioning into housing.

The Fox Cities Housing Coalition is reaching out to invite you to participate in this summer's Point in Time Count. After deliberation as to how we want to facilitate this count in the face of the pandemic, the PIT Committee has decided to continue on as we typically would, but make adjustments to ensure the safety of our volunteers. More details will follow for those who sign-up and there are further details in the sign-up page in regards to process changes. Here are the highlights:

• The count will take place on Wednesday, July 22nd and run through the early morning hours of the 23rd. We will continue with having only one shift. First adjustment: we will be leaving in smaller groups in two shifts to ensure there are less people congregating at one time. The first shift will depart at 10:00pm from Salvation Army and the second shift will depart from Salvation Army at 10:30pm. The count will be over whenever your team completes their route
• We will have smaller groups for most of our routes or will have two drivers per four people to allow for more social distancing in a vehicle
• Utilization of PPE's will be requested of each person if they will be within 6 feet from another person
• We will not be convening within Salvation Army (weather permitting), but will utilize a drive-up/walk-through method for registering outside of Salvation Army when you arrive
• Folks that are staying outside that we find the evening of, will not be able to return to Salvation Army. Instead, basic bag lunches and water will be provided by each team should they connect with someone and follow-up for services will be done the following day
• Space is limited, please sign up as soon as possible if you are interested in securing a volunteer space. We are asking all volunteers to sign up by Monday, July 13th

If you do not feel comfortable participating in this summer's Point in Time event, we completely understand and will miss you. Please do what you feel most comfortable doing and we will hope to see your friendly and kind faces at the winter count. If you are still interested in signing up for the Point in Time count, please sign up using the link below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080548a5a823a5fd0-july2 

Thank you all for your time and for all of your support, people like all of you are what makes the Fox Cities such a great place!

Best Regards, 

The Point in Time Committee