Computer time is available to Allen County Public Library patrons once again. The limited service resumed June 8, and is available only at the Main Library and the Shawnee and Pontiac branches.

The ACPL has been closed since March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to be closed for most activities at least through July 1. However, patrons can return materials to book drops, and reserved materials can be picked up at curbside locations.

Three Technology and Career Readiness Centers have reopened so patrons can apply for benefits, write and send resumes, search for jobs, complete education goals and accomplish related needs. Patrons register for a 2-hour time slot online by going to pcresweb.acpl.lib.in.us/pcres/reserve.pl. Patrons who have no home internet access may call the participating library and set up an appointment. Each person may sign up for a single 2-hour time slot each day. However, Stephanny Smith, director of Community Engagement at the ACPL, said once a patron is on site for the reserved session, they may book another session if the time slot is available.

Before confirming a reservation, patrons should note the assigned computer, reservation number and the time of the appointment. Patron will need this information and a library card number to log in to the computer.

Smith said the ACPL has 15 computers open at the Main Library, downtown Fort Wayne at Library Plaza; 16 at Pontiac, 2215 S. Hanna St.; and 12 at Shawnee, 5600 Noll Ave. Visit acpl-cms for hours, phone numbers and other details. The library still hopes to offer socially-distant computer work stations at all locations and to open 30 computer stations at the Main Library. Space is limited because some computers have been removed to ensure enough space between stations, in keeping with the social distancing precautions of the COVID-19 pandemic recovery.

Patrons are given instructions on how to use the computers. Librarians have remote access to patrons’ computers, to assist from a safe distance.

A 15-minute wait period between appointments allows staff time to clean workstations. Disposable keyboard and mouse covers are changed after each computer user. Seats and other touched surfaces are sanitized.

Library staff will be wearing face masks. Patrons are urged to wear face masks, to; the ACPL has masks on hand, if a patron needs one.

Other services

On May 18, the ACPL began offering curbside pickup of reserved materials at select branches. The library since has expanded the service to 10 branches in addition to the main branch. As of June 7, curbside pickup was not yet available at the Pontiac, Shawnee or Tecumseh branches.

Visit acpl-cms for locations, hours and instructions. Each person may reserve up to 10 items.

Because of public health precautions, curbside service is still a one-way service. ACPL staff is not accepting returned materials or fines or fees at curbside.

Materials can be brought to the outdoor returns at each location. Call 260-421-1200 to pay fines or fees on a library account.

Despite the pandemic, the library also is making the SPARK summer learning program happen once again. The “celebration of lifelong learning and discovery” began June 1 and continues through July 31. Readers of all ages already have logged over 300,000 minutes of reading. The library has set a community goal of 8 million minutes over 2 months.

Last year, 16,000 readers logged 12 million minutes reading 60,000 books.

SPARK stands for Science, Play, Arts, Reading and Knowledge. Visit acpl.info/spark for details or to register.

Virtual programs and story times also continue as library buildings remain closed to the public.

Visit acpl-cms to apply for a library card.