Norwalk Easter Public Library Interior Refresh/Closure Frequently Asked Questions
What is Happening?
The library will be closed starting Monday, August 14, for an interior refresh for the installation of new carpet and paint. The project is expected to take 4 weeks to complete. The library’s estimated reopening date is Monday, September 11.
The library will share additional information about the reopening date and the technology pop-up space as project progress is made; follow us on social media for updates. For further information, contact the library at 515-981-0217 or libraryhelp@norwalk.iowa.gov.
What Should I Do Before the Closure?
We advise the public to check out a lot of materials, so you have movies, books, etc.! Please check out the books, board games, puzzles, DVDs/Blu-rays, kits, and more that you anticipate needing and keep them the entire time. No materials will be due during the closure; all items will have an extended check out period and patrons are encouraged to return them after the library opens in September.
How Do I Return Materials When the Library is Closed?
Don’t unless you absolutely have to! The book drop at the library will be open, but users are strongly encouraged to keep their materials until the library reopens as staff will not be checking materials in until the library reopens in September. Oversized items or items that are not to be placed in the book drop should be kept until the library reopens or returned to library staff at the pop-up library space at City Hall during working hours.
What If I Need Some Help During the Closure?
During the closure, the library will open a pop-up library space at Norwalk City Hall’s Conference Room at 705 North Ave. Library staff will be able to provide internet access on a public computer, as well as photocopying, printing, faxing, and scanning services.
The pop-up library space will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting August 14. Library staff will assist with these services in addition to assisting patrons with phone and email requests.
What If I Need Internet, Computing, Printing, Faxing, Copying, or Scanning?
Visit the pop-up library space at City Hall! Library staff will be able to provide internet access on a public computer, as well as photocopying, printing, faxing, and scanning services. You can forward printing requests to staff in advance by emailing libraryhelp@norwalk.iowa.gov.
Users can also access free Wi-Fi in the library’s parking lot using their own personal devices anytime.
Can Someone Help Me with Tech Assistance, Notary, or Exam Proctoring?
Tech assistance appointments and notary services will be available at the pop-up library space on a limited basis. Call 515-981-0217 or email libraryhelp@norwalk.iowa.gov to schedule with staff.
Can I Get a Library Card or Get My Library Card Renewed?
Anyone needing to get a library card or card renewal is encouraged to visit the library prior to August 14 or go online at https://www.norwalklibrary.org/get-a-library-card/ to apply. During the closure, staff at the pop-up library space can also assist with library cards.
What Happens to My Holds?
Patrons can still place materials on hold during the closure, but nothing will be available for check out until the library reopens. eBooks, e-audiobooks, and e-magazines may still be borrowed using the free Libby app. More information is available at https://www.norwalklibrary.org/free-downloadables/
Will Any Programs Be Offered During This Time?
No, our staff will be busy planning many great things for fall and winter! This would be a great time to borrow a free Adventure Pass. Patrons can reserve Adventure Passes using the library’s website at https://www.norwalklibrary.org/adventure-pass/. These passes allow for free admission for two adults and two children to Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines Children’s Museum, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Iowa Arboretum, and Science Center of Iowa. If you need assistance to reserve your pass or need to get it printed off, contact the staff at the library pop-up space at 515-981-0217 or libraryhelp@norwalk.iowa.gov.
What Other Resources Are Available?
All other digital materials will be available including the Brainfuse HelpNow tutoring/homework help; Brainfuse JobNow resume/career search services; BrainFuse VetNow veterans’ assistance; Novelist reader recommendations; and Transparent Language learning service. All these free digital services are available 24/7 at https://www.norwalklibrary.org/online-library/.
Now would be a great time to learn a new language with Transparent Language or find some great new book/author recommendations with Novelist or to brush up on resume/career/homework tools using Brainfuse products!
If I Can’t Go to the Library for Fun Programs, What Can I Do Now?
Take a fun day trip using a free Adventure Pass to one of five great metro area venues! Patrons can reserve Adventure Passes using the library’s website at https://www.norwalklibrary.org/adventure-pass/. These passes allow for free admission for two adults and two children to Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines Children’s Museum, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Iowa Arboretum, and Science Center of Iowa. If you need assistance to reserve your pass or need to get it printed off, contact the staff at the library pop-up space at 515-981-0217 or libraryhelp@norwalk.iowa.gov.
What is the Interior Refresh?
The library is hard at work to refresh and update the library space for the public as a part of a $107,700 Capital Improvement Project from the City of Norwalk. The project’s scope was able to expand to include re-painting of the interior due to a very generous donation of carpet tile from Poindexter Flooring in Indianola.
The current library building turns 25 years old in August 2023. The carpeting is original to the building and it was last painted in 2009!
Why Are We Spending Money on This Project When We Are Getting a New Building?
The groundbreaking for the future library building will not be for another 5-10 years and that will be once we have a concept design, voter referendum to approve City funding for the project, and supplementary fundraising. The carpeting in the current library is 25 years old and is a safety hazard where seams are coming up. Because the glue is so old, we are unable to shampoo it or even vacuum it in places without it coming up from the floor, so it is very unclean. The security grille gate is also original to this building and it is in need of replacement as we have fixed it numerous times. The paint was done in 2009 and it makes sense to include that in this project to freshen things up since the building will already be under construction.