Nicolet Federated Library System to Offer Increased Support to System Libraries as More Move to Online Delivery Systems in Response to COVID-19 Concerns

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For Immediate Release
 
Thursday, March 19, 2020
 
NICOLET FEDERATED LIBRARY SYSTEM TO OFFER INCREASED SUPPORT TO SYSTEM LIBRARIES AS MORE MOVE TO ONLINE DELIVERY SYSTEMS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 CONCERNS
 
GREEN BAY –  With the majority of its system member libraries turning to online services and closing their physical locations in accordance with federal, state and local orders to reduce the spread of the pandemic coronavirus, Nicolet Federated Library System (NFLS), Bellevue, WI, will temporarily suspend its delivery services to member libraries.
 
In addition, in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, NFLS offices in Bellevue, WI will close Friday, March 20, 2020, until further notice. Employees will work from home, monitoring the situation closely while providing the highest level of service to its member libraries.
 
These decisions were made in consideration of, and in accordance with, Emergency Order #5 issued by Governor Tony Evers that, among other things, prohibits mass gatherings of 10 or more people. The Division for Libraries and Technology (DLT) has determined that libraries fall within this Emergency Order.
 
NFLS is the facilitator of inter-library loan and delivery services for borrowed books and library materials to and between its 42 member libraries in Northeast Wisconsin.  At present, most of these libraries have closed their physical locations.  According to Tracy Vreeke, Director of NFLS, "It is important at this time of uncertainty for NFLS to offer increased support to our member libraries as they make the decision to provide online versions of these materials and resources available through a variety of different mediums.”
 
“In a time when all must do their part to reduce the spread of a global pandemic, NFLS staff is ready and willing to help librarians with continuing education, and provide member libraries with the resources they need to help them meet the increased demand for online materials in a timely and effective manner,” Vreeke said.
 
As more information becomes available, NFLS will work with member libraries to determine the best course of action for implementation of a proper time frame for restoration of inter-library delivery services.
 
NFLS libraries will remain open online: Please contact your local library for current library services. A list of NFLS libraries can be found online at https://www.nfls.lib.wi.us/libraries.html. Future announcements will be posted on the libraries’ web and social media sites.
 
About the Nicolet Federated Library System:
The Nicolet Federated Library System (NFLS) is a state-funded organization assisting 42 member public libraries in providing better services to the people of northeastern Wisconsin since 1976. NFLS' public libraries span eight counties: Brown, Door, Florence, Kewaunee, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto and Shawano.
 
NFLS is third largest of the 16 public library systems in the state and is organized under the WI Dept. of Public Instruction. Each system is governed by an independent board of trustees and funded by state aids to carry out the service requirements set forth in Chapter 43 of the Wisconsin Statutes.  For more information, go to:  https://www.nfls.lib.wi.us/
 
Media and other inquiries, please contact: Tracy Vreeke, Nicolet Federated Library System Director at tvreeke@nflsoffice.org

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