Bellevue Library Closing Today; New Location Ribbon Cutting Set for October 1

The Bellevue Public Library is closing today, Friday, August 30 at 6pm to move to our new location at 2206 Longo Drive, Suite 100.

A big part of the move will involve transferring a collection of over 140,000 books, CDs, DVDs, periodicals, etc., to the new library and making sure that they are in the correct order and location at the new building. In addition, all technology systems will have to be set up and tested to make sure they are in working order.

A ribbon-cutting and “sneak preview” of the new library building is being planned for Tuesday, October 1, from 4 to 6pm. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the public will have an opportunity to tour the new facility. This will give the community a chance to come in and see their new library building as finishing touches to the building and operations are put in place. Please note: No transactions will take place on this date. Instead, the library will open for regular business starting on Monday, October 7, at 9am, when the library will resume its normal hours of operation at the new library building.

The library appreciates the patience of all its patrons and is sorry for the inconvenience of the closure for the move. Staff look forward to serving the community at its new building. This is the seventh move for the Bellevue Public Library since it was formed in 1929.

It was started and hosted in the home of J.C. Larson at 202 E. 20th Ave. by the Bellevue Junior Woman’s Club. Other sites have included the Presbyterian Church, the historic courthouse, the small stucco building in Washington Park, the red brick building in Washington Park, and its current location since 1975.

All library staff want to say “thank you” to the many patrons and community members who have supported the library’s fundraising drive, offered to help, and wished the library well as it begins its new chapter at 2206 Longo Drive. The library phone numbers will remain the same: The public should still be able reach us at 402-293-3157 during the transition.

Other things to remember:

CHECKOUTS

• Will we be able to check out more items?
• NO. The number of checkouts will remain at 20 per card.

HOLDS

• Can I place holds during the closure?
• NO. The final day to place holds is Sunday, August 25.

HOLDS PICKUP

• When is the last day to pick up my holds?
• Holds can be picked up until 6PM on Friday, August 30.
• NOTE. All patron holds will be suspended from August 31 until we reopen in October.

RETURNS

• Will I be able to return items during the closure?
• YES. You can return items in the current outdoor bookdrop until September 30. From October 1, you can return items at the new building on Longo Drive using the drive-through bookdrop.

RENEWALS

• Will I be able to renew items during the closure?
• YES. You can renew items online, or you can call us at 402-293-3157 to renew.

FINES

• Will I be assessed fines during the closure?
• YES. Fines will accrue as usual for items checked out prior to August 10. Due dates will be extended ONLY for items checked out in late August as described below:
• From August 10, items that check out for 21 days will be due in October when we reopen.
• From August 24, items that check out for 7 days will be due in October when we reopen.

COURTESY & OVERDUE NOTICES

• Will I still get courtesy and overdue reminders during the closure?
• YES. The current outdoor bookdrop will be available for returns until September 30. From October 1, you can return items at the new building on Longo Drive using the drive-through bookdrop.

IS THE INTERLIBRARY LOAN SERVICE (ILL) STILL AVAILABLE?

• No. ILL has been suspended until further notice.

CARD MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

• Can I renew my card during the time you are closed?
• Cards that are due for renewal in September will be extended to October. You can renew your card when we reopen in October.

DIGITAL ACCESS

• Will I be able to access OverDrive (Libby), the library’s website, catalog, and databases during the closure?
• YES. All digital content should be available as usual.

LEISURE PASSES

• Can I still reserve dates for the Leisure Passes during the closure?
• YES. The process for reserving leisure passes should continue uninterrupted.

BOOKSTORE

• Will the bookstore remain open until you close on August 30?
• NO. The book sale room will close on August 19 until further notice.

DONATIONS

• Is the library still accepting book donations?
• NO. We are not accepting donations until further notice.We appreciate your patience and look forward to serving you at our new location.Please contact the library with any questions at 402-293-3157.