RETURN TO CURBSIDE SERVICE
Due to the increased COVID threat in our area, the library building is closed to the public. However, all library materials remain accessible through curbside service.
All services are available even though the building is closed:
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Food donations to Loaves and Fishes may still be brought to the library in November. Call us when you're at the front door.
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The external book return is open
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MelCat Interlibrary Loan (mel.org)
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Copy & Fax Service (FREE up to 10 pages per day)
Copies (15 cents per page) (You can email these, if you wish, to ref@parchmentlibrary.org)
Faxes ($1.00 per page)
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Print from a mobile device (FREE up to 10 pages per day)
Send an email (with the document you want to be printed attached) to print@ricohprintcloud.com.
In a few moments you’ll receive a reply with a six-digit code.
Send us the code (phone, email, text) and we’ll print out your document for you to pick up.
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Computer use by appointment (call 269 343-7747)
A snugly-fitting mask must be worn at all times that completely covers your nose and mouth.
Time is limited to 30 minutes.
Except for scanning and printing, no staff assistance is available to computer users, as staff must remain at least 6 feet away at all times.
No one exhibiting symptoms of a cold or cough will be admitted.
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Free wifi service extends from our front parking lot to the the parking lot behind the tennis courts in Kindleberger Park.
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No notary service is available until the building opens to the public again.
REOPENING PLAN
Our Reopening Plan has been approved by the Library Board of Trustees. It can be read here. Please note, this plan may change if circumstances warrant.
NEW! BOARD GAMES & CARD GAMES
Now you can borrow games from the library!
The games may be borrowed for 1 week and renewed for a second week if the game hasn't been reserved by someone else.
Limit 2 games per family.
Board Games include: Apples to Apples Jr.; Battleship; Bingo, Diary of a Wimpy Kid Cheese Touch Game; Clue; Clue Jr.; Mad Gab; Pictureka; Qwirkle; Scrabble; Trivial Pursuit Book Lovers Edition; Yahtzee; Zingo.
Card Games include: Clumsy Thief; Dutch Blitz; Hit the Deck; I Spy Snap; Mad Libs; Monopoly Deal; Star Fluxx.
Have suggestions for more games? Let us know by phone (269 343-7747); text (269 201-8604); or email (ref@parchmentlibrary.org)
NEW! RESERVE EXPRESS
Sign up for automatic reserves for your favorite authors! First, log into your library account using your library card number and your full telephone number here. Click the My Account button. Then click the Reserves/Requests tab. Look for the Have Some Favorite Authors? bullet point and click the "receive new items" link. Scroll through the list to find your favorite authors. Next to the author's name, click on the format you prefer -- book, audiobook, or large print. You can select as many authors as you like! When we receive a new title by one of your selected authors, you will be automatically added to its reserve list. We'll contact you when the item is ready for you to pick up.
LIBRARY EVENTS
You can join Zoom events by phone (landline or mobile) or any Internet-connected device.
Neither Wolf Nor Dog extended through November 30
It's not too late to register to see the film Neither Wolf Nor Dog! We've made arrangements to extend availability to our library patrons through the end of the month. See all the details here.
PAPER CHAIN PROJECT
COVID-19 may be keeping us from gathering in person, but we can show our unity by creating a paper chain together. Find out how to submit a link for the chain here.
Past Events
Looking for a video of one of our past events? Check out our Past Events page!
Write With Wilma
Local author and writing coach Wilma Kahn will lead a four-week introductory workshop in January to help you tell your stories on paper, whether they are memoirs or fiction. Registration fee is $4 and the workshop is limited to 12 participants. Early bird registration for those with a Parchment Community Library card is open through Dec 15; regular registration for all area residents will be Dec 16-31. See all the details and register here.
Donate Food in November
The library will be collecting donations for Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes during the month of November. Look for the barrel in the lobby starting November 1st! Non-perishable high-protein items (such as tuna, peanut butter, stew) and kid-friendly items are especially needed. Guidelines: nothing past its Sell By Date; nothing in glass or other breakable packaging; and nothing perishable (like fresh fruit or milk).
Cancellation of Holiday Chocolate, Parchment Wassailing, and Holiday Raffle
The 2020 Holiday Chocolate, Parchment Wassailing, and the Friends of the Library Holiday Raffle that were scheduled for December 2 have been canceled. We look forward with hope to their return in 2021.
Hoopla Book Club (on Zoom) - Thursday, Dec 3, 1 pm
The final session of our Hoopla Book Club will be Thursday, December 3 at 1 pm on Zoom. Join us to discuss The Gown by Jennifer Robson. Registration is requested. See all the details here.
Parchment Action Team (on Zoom) - Thursday, Dec 17, 7 pm
This group works to make Parchment a great place to live. All residents are welcome!
See all the details here.
Tribal History of the Kalamazoo River (on Zoom) -
Tuesday, Jan 12, 7 pm
Learn about the tribal history of the Kalamazoo River from Lakota Pochedley, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Gun Lake Tribe. Find more information and register for the program here.
Parchment Update: Bringing Your Community Closer
Watch Online Anytime
Parchment Update is a series of video interviews with local leaders from the city, schools, churches, and other organizations in Parchment. The videos are available to watch at your convenience on our website with a new interview each week. If you have questions or topics you'd like to hear about, email them to ref@parchmentlibrary.org or submit them in person at the library.
Book Sales Canceled
Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the area, the Friends of the Library have canceled the Grab & Go Book Sales that were scheduled for November and December. There are no future book sales scheduled at this time.
CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS for November & December Online Storytime
You can find Mrs. B on Zoom.com on Wednesdays @ 10:30AM or Thursdays @ 9:30AM.
Please email us for the link and passcode: ref@parchmentlibrary.org
The weekly storytime craft is also available. Please indicate how many you would like when you email us. We will have them ready on Monday of each week.
Recommended for children 4 and older. Grab & Go Craft Bags include most of the supplies you'll need plus an instructional You Tube video link. Available while supplies last!
Use your library card to access free digital magazines, books, audiobooks, movies and music!
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Go to our DIGITAL CONTENT page for more information.
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Please note, only in-district cardholders may access digital resources like Hoopla and OverDrive through Parchment Community Library.
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If you have a Reciprocal Borrower card from us, you may access digital resources through your home library's website.
NEW! Apply for a Parchment Library Card online!
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All those who reside or own property within the Parchment School District are eligible for a free Parchment Community Library card.
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Not sure if you live in our district?
Check our Street Index for your address.
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Live in Cooper's Landing Apartments?
Check our map to see if you are in the Plainwell or Parchment library district.
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If you do NOT live in our district, you may not apply online for a card. When the library
re-opens, stop in with a photo ID and your home library card, and we'll give you a Reciprocal Borrower card.
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This card may be used to access our digital collections (Hoopla & OverDrive).
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The limit for Hoopla is now 10 checkouts per cardholder per month, and the limit for OverDrive is 7 checkouts per cardholder per month.
Free Wi-Fi
You can now access the library's wi-fi from the parking lot. Look for the ParchmentLibrary service. There is no password.
Things to do
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Looking for educational resources for kids? See our GREAT WEBSITES FOR KIDS page!
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Looking for fun activities for kids? See our FUN & GAMES & STAY-AT-HOME BOREDOM BUSTERS page!
Important resources
To find resources for help with food, mortgage, unemployment, mental health, Internet service, and more, see this April 27 article from Bridge Magazine.
For more information, go to
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Michigan Department of Health and Human Services https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus
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Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services https://www.kalcounty.com/hcs/covid19.php