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Off the Shelf: Resolving to make the New Ulm Public Library a great experience

A recent excursion to the library and a stack or two of books later, you might have noticed a couple of changes at the library.

Fines for overdue books, magazines, and newspapers have gone down to a nickel a day and overdue DVDs have dropped to 50 cents in 2019. 

The goal of the library is to provide a center of community to all and occasionally there is a barrier for patrons when fines are implemented. Why the change? We’ve had an uptick in the number of patrons who borrow e-books and e-audiobooks and an automatic renewal system was implemented in late 2018. You might have seen an email in your inbox about a new due date for the materials you have checked out. Your library materials are automatically renewed if there isn’t a hold for another library user on an item or if it hasn’t already been renewed twice.

The overdue fine reduction doesn’t preclude lost or damaged library materials. Library patrons will still be asked to pay those fines.

Another recent change is the addition of Chromeboxes for the public access computers. They have debuted within the first two weeks of the new year. The library’s contract with our previous networking platform expired in late December. Chromeboxes are slim and cost-effective. Software and storage needs can be met with the Google Cloud. With the help of the Traverse des Sioux Cooperative we are customizing the user experience for an easy transition to the new platform. From a tech perspective, no software has to be loaded on the device and they automatically update.

We’re more than books here at the library. Swing by for a library program, to volunteer, or join the Friends of the New Ulm Library! We look forward, as always, to seeing you in the library this year!

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