Marion, Iowa (March 20, 2020) -We have been cooperating to provide you with a network of library service since 1999. Now, we’re uniting to keep you updated with the best information we have, as soon as we have it, in this unprecedented situation.
As part of our continued commitment to our community’s health and safety, we are monitoring and responding to guidelines from local and state authorities, as well as working closely with our local municipalities. We are also following communication from the State Library as each day unfolds.
In response to these guidelines, we are announcing two changes that will go into effect today and remain in place until further notice:
- The Metro Library Network will be closing the drop-offs at all Hy-Vee locations. If you have materials you are ready to return, we ask that you hold onto them. All due dates have been extended and we will be waiving fines until we reopen.
- Over the next few days, holds pick up service at Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha Public Libraries will discontinue. Reach out to your home library for more information about the date this will take effect.
During this time, we are also working to increase the availability of online resources and will keep you updated in this regard. Thank you for your patience as we do everything we can to continue to provide you with library service.
As new information becomes available, you can learn more online, via social media or by phone.
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The Metro Library Network was created in 1999 when the Cedar Rapids Public Library (including its West Side Branch), the Marion Public Library, and the Hiawatha Public Library agreed to cooperate to provide library services to the metro area.
Since that time, the three libraries have provided a unified electronic catalog. When you search the catalog from any library, or remotely from your home or office, you are able to search the holdings of all three libraries at one time.
The libraries in the Metro Library Network work together to provide online research databases and 24/7 access to a digital library of downloadable audiobooks, ebooks, music, and movies available to all patrons with a current library card. They also collaborate on several programming projects, such as the Out Loud! Author Series and Linn Area Reads, an annual community reading program.