Extension Services

EXTENSION SERVICES

PHONE: 219-886-2484 x329

Extension Services is a virtual "library within a library" providing service to schools, shut-ins and various organizations throughout the city. Extension Services endeavors to meet the needs of widely scattered residents through its Bookmobile, classroom, deposit collections to schools, day cares, fire stations, nursing homes, senior citizen apartments, etc. and through special services such as delivery and pick-up of library materials to shut ins. The department  purchases and houses juvenile materials while the Bookmobile caters primarily to adults.

PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING SERVICE

1. Teachers using eighth grade reading level material or below are encouraged to request classroom collections from the library for a loan period of four weeks with one renewal allowed for a total of eight weeks. Supplementary enrichment materials, and recreational books geared to the school curriculum can be supplied. Materials will be delivered to your school office.
2. 48-hour notice is necessary to fill an order. If a teacher wishes more than six specific titles, a printed list of materials requested should be sent to us at least one week in advance of desired delivery.
3. Teachers or a designated person may forward requests to the Extension Services or chose their own books and pictures by visiting the department on the mezzanine of the Main Library. Extension Services  hours are 9am to 4pm, Monday through Friday.
4. Teachers are expected to return and keep track of all materials charged out to them. No new collection will be sent until all materials are returned or accounted for. An overdue notice will be sent when materials are 2 weeks overdue.
5. For ease in pick-up, the yellow tag attached to each bundle shows the date of return. All books should be securely tied for return to the public library in the school office the day before scheduled pick-up.
6. Minimum 10 titles.

To expedite your request, please have the following information available when you call:

• School
• Teacher
• Grade
• Number of books wanted
• Reading levels needed
• Books for units on (specify)
• Recreational books (kind)
• Readers (pre-primer through grade 3 only)