IRON MOUNTAIN — The Dickinson County Library has closed its main site in Iron Mountain plus both branches in Norway and Felch Township to the public but does have a plan to offer limited services.

The main library and Solomonson branch in Norway shut their doors to the public at 3 p.m. Monday after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order. Those locations will remain closed through Monday, March 30.

The North Dickinson branch library at North Dickinson County Schools in Felch Township is closed due to the mandatory school closings across Michigan that will extend to April 5.

“During this turbulent time, we want to continue to serve our community while complying with federal and state mandates,” Library Director Megan Buck said in a news release.

“We realize that this is a difficult time for our community and want to provide as many useful services as possible,” Buck said.

While not open to the public, the Iron Mountain library, 906-774-1218, will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; and the Solomonson Branch in Norway, 906-563-8617, will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Phones will be answered during these times as library staff try to accommodate requests for information and services.

The Dickinson County Library does not charge late fees for overdue materials, so patrons should not feel items must be returned during this time. Those who want to renew can access their account via the online card catalog or call during the times listed above. Book drops will be open for returns 24 hours a day.

Beginning Tuesday, the library will try to:

— Provide patron support via phone and email, including account information such as PIN numbers, tech support with the digital services and support for placing holds, browsing the card catalog and/or renewing materials.

— Provide patrons with materials via books-by-mail or door-to-curb hold delivery. Those not signed up for the books-by-mail program can call the Iron Mountain library. Patrons with the ability to pick up holds outside the library can call and set up a pick-up time during the hours listed above. Door-to-curb services will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Iron Mountain library and from 9:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Norway site. Patrons should call their desired pickup location and request items be checked out and delivered at a scheduled time.

— Provide patrons with access to fax at the Iron Mountain library only and copies at both locations with curb-to-door services. Patrons should call and request a time for staff to pick up their pages and money and return the change and copies or fax confirmation to them at their vehicle.

— Provide patrons with print materials with door-to-curb services. Patrons should call with information requests and staff will confirm the number of pages to be printed and arrange a scheduled time for pick up; materials to be printed may also be emailed to circ@dcl-lib.org with a requested time and location for pick up, the cost and confirmation of pickup time and location will be emailed back — please wait for this email confirmation before coming to the library.

— Provide patrons with copies of tax forms, based on copies available, with door-to-curb services. Patrons should call with requests and to schedule a pickup time.

— Provide patrons with access to the Dickinson County Library digital collections which are available 24/7 through the website at www.dcl-lib.org. Digital services included downloadable eBooks and audiobooks (Overdrive), downloadable magazines (RB Digital), foreign language learning (Mango Languages), World Book Encyclopedia digital edition, and other online databases including Chilton Library, Global Road Warrior, and AtoZ USA. In addition, patrons can access the online card catalog to place holds on available items. More electronic resources can also be found at http://Mel.org. Finally, there is a plethora of detailed local history information available on the website.

— Continue to share accurate information about the virus with the public. Library staff recognize this is a rapidly evolving situation and that the most up-to-date information can be found at https://www.Michigan.gov/Coronavirus or https://www.CDC.gov/Coronavirus. Staff also will watch for updates from the local health department, local hospitals and medical providers, local schools and local municipalities that may be of use to patrons. The library is cognizant that not all patrons will have access to the internet with the temporary closing of the library, and will accommodate print requests for accurate coronavirus information of up to 10 pages per day, at no charge and delivered curbside. That information may include requests such as CDC recommendations; reports for national, state or local updates; and other vetted news on the virus. Patrons without internet access should call to request information and schedule a pickup time.

“This tentative plan for services will continue until new information causes us to reconsider, a change is ordered by authority or until we return to normal operations,” Buck said in the release. “Please, follow CDC recommendations and practice social distancing and hand washing. If you have flu-like symptoms, please stay home and take advantage of our digital resources. Thank you for your patience during this time.”