THE LIBRARY IS NOW OPEN!
We are delighted to open our doors again to the public. To reduce the spread of the COVID virus, the following changes to our normal service are in place:
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Masks which cover the nose and mouth must be worn by everyone in the building, except children under the age of 2.
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Visits must be limited to no more than 1 hour per day.
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Five public computers will be available; self-serve only.
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All photocopies will be done by library staff, at a cost of 15 cents per page.
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Chairs have been removed; all games, puzzles and toys are in storage.
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Magazines are available by request. No newspapers are available.
NEW HOURS
Mon & Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wed & Thu 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri & Sat 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
CURBSIDE DELIVERY SERVICE EVERY DAY
You may order library materials for curbside pickup by phone, email, or online catalog.
We'll call you to confirm your order, then you can pick up your order within 3 business days.
Call us when you get to the library and we'll bring your order to your car!
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.
MELCAT INTERLIBRARY LOAN SERVICE HAS RESUMED
In-District patrons may place InterLibrary Loan requests via mel.org. (Reciprocal patrons should contact their home libraries regarding InterLibrary Loan, since each library may determine their own start date to resume ILL service.)
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.
LIBRARY EVENTS
You can join Zoom events by phone (landline or mobile) or any Internet-connected device.
Past Events
Looking for a video of one of our past events? Check out our Past Events page!
Special Streaming Event for Native American Heritage Month
Nov 15-21
The Parchment Community Library will present Scottish director Steven Lewis Simpson's film Neither Wolf Nor Dog, based on Kent Nerburn's novel and starring 95-year-old Dave Bald Eagle. Registration is required for this film and is limited to 30 households. You must have a Parchment library card (of any type) to register, and you will receive a link to watch the film on your own device after registering. There will be an opportunity to submit questions online to the director after viewing the film. See all the details 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).
Hoopla Book Club (on Zoom) - Thursday, Nov 5, 1 pm
Are you looking for an online book club that meets during the day? Would you like to discuss the same book everyone else has read with easy at-home access to both eBook and audio book versions? Try our Hoopla Book Club, meeting the first Thursday of every month at 1 pm on Zoom. Registration is requested. See all the details here.
Mayflower at 400: The Ship, The Passengers, The Legacy (on Zoom) - Monday, Nov 9, 7 pm
Explore the details and the legacy of the Mayflower's voyage to the New World with Grace Bliss Smith, Ph.D., Governor of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in Michigan. There's more to the story than a Thanksgiving feast! This program is presented in collaboration with the Ransom District Library. Registration is requested. See all the details here.
Book Sale Update!
Next sale on Saturday, Nov 14, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
The Friends of the Parchment Community Library will hold their next "Grab & Go" Book Sale on Saturday, November 14th. The sale will be held inside in the atrium area on the main floor of the library and is designed with COVID safety in mind.
Shoppers will choose among "Grab & Go" paper sacks filled with books, audiobooks, DVDs, or puzzles. The sacks will be labeled with the contents (such as '5 Cozy Mysteries,' '3 1000-piece Puzzles,' or '3 Like-New Fiction') and the price. The contents of each sack will remain a mystery until the shopper opens it at home (although it might be possible to peek into the open top of the bag without touching it during the sale).
A "Grab & Go" book sale is also scheduled for Saturday, Dec 12. There won't be a book sale in January.
Mystery Book Club (on Zoom) - Monday, Nov 16, 4 pm
Join our group of mystery enthusiasts to discuss mysteries you've read.
November Challenge: Read (or re-read) a mystery by Agatha Christie to mark 100 years since her birth. See all the details here.
Parchment Action Team (on Zoom) - Thursday, Nov 19, 7 pm
This group works to make Parchment a great place to live. All residents are welcome!
See all the details 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.
CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS for September Online Storytime
Fall storytimes are now online. You can find Mrs. B on Zoom 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.
NEW! RBdigital audiobooks and magazines
We've added digital magazines and more digital audiobooks to our collection! All titles are always available and you can check out as many as you like. See all the details here.
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 SUMMER READING PROGRAM, 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