Hannibal Library closes to in-person service

With Marion and Ralls counties moving into an “Extreme Risk Category 1” crisis of covid contagion, the Hannibal Free Public Library is now closed to walk-in patrons. The only check-out options available are curbside pickup or electronic reading materials.

“None of us liked making this decision. It seemed to be the best way to keep the public and Library staff safe while still providing materials to check out. The decision will be revisited on a weekly basis, per DHSS’s Public Health Warning,” Library Director Hallie Yundt Silver said.

The library will expand Curbside Pickup Service hours to Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Patrons can request books and other materials by placing holds in the library’s online catalog, by messaging the library through Facebook or the online catalog, by calling the Library at 573-221-0222, or by sending an email to ref@hannibal.lib.mo.us. To place holds or update library cards, patrons can call the Library on Monday or Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., and Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Patrons who do not have library cards or have lost their cards should call the Library to complete a temporary registration over the phone. The Library’s wi-fi extends into the parking lot, so people with laptops and devices may access it from their vehicles.

After a hold is placed, Library staff will search the collection, find the items, call the patron, and check out the item to the patron. Curbside Pickup Service will be provided at the back of the building through the fire door. Patrons should return books and other materials in the exterior book drop located at the west side of the building at 200 South Church Street. The Library will quarantine returned materials for a week before checking them in and returning them to circulation.