Since the Library closed to the public at 9pm on Friday, March 13, we've all been a little out of sorts.  All the members of our Oceanside Library community have been learning to adjust to, what is for now, a new normal.  Staff are now back in the building adapting and innovating our services to provide Oceanside with the best library experience possible.  Patrons have been enjoying our online programming as well as all the digital resources available to them from the comfort of their own homes.  So what now?  What's the 411?  Here are a few questions that have come up (updates will be made periodically so please check back) and some answers that we can provide...


Exciting news...we are now open for limited Browsing & Borrowing via appointment!!
Registration is now live on our Online Events Calendar!!
Please read all the information that you need to know:
1. This service is for browsing the shelves to make a selection for borrowing - you will not be able to sit and read in the Library.
2. Appointments will be made using our Online Events Calendar and will last for a maximum of half an hour.
3. Access to our public computers and photocopy machine are unavailable at this time.
4. If you are an individual (couples will count as one), there are four time slots available every half hour OR if you are a family, there is one time slot every half hour during these hours:
Monday: 10am - 2pm
Tuesday: 10am - 2pm & 6pm - 8pm
Wednesday: 10am - 2pm
Thursday: 10am - 2pm & 6pm - 8pm
Friday: 10am - 2pm
Saturday: 10am - 2pm
5. ALL patrons entering the building who are 2 years of age and older are REQUIRED to wear a mask/face covering at ALL TIMES while in the building as per the NY State Governor's Executive Order No. 202.34.  We will also be taking temperatures using a contactless thermometer before admitting patrons.
6. Browsing will be limited to the first floor but staff will be able to retrieve items from the second floor if you need them.
7. If you are returning items, you can either put them in the Book Drop or in a receptacle in the lobby.  Please do not return any material to staff at the front desk.
8. All returned items will need to remain in quarantine for 7 days before being cleared.  No fines will be incurred.
9. Please do not return items to the shelves while browsing.  We ask that you place them on a designated cart for cleaning.
10. All individuals in the building must maintain social distancing by staying 6 feet apart.
We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding on this matter to ensure the safety and protection of all our patrons and staff!
Updated on Monday 7/27.


What is Virtual Browsing & Borrowing?  How do I make an appointment?
Registration is now live on our Online Events Calendar!!
Please read all the information that you need to know:
1. This service is for virtually browsing the shelves to make a selection for borrowing.
2. Due to certain limitations, this service is only available via FaceTime. FaceTime is an app that is only available to those who have an iPhone/iPad.  Fill out the form with your iPhone number.
3. Appointments will be made using our Online Events Calendar and will last for a maximum of half an hour.  It is important to keep in mind that within this half an hour, we need at least five minutes at the end to schedule your Curbside Pick-Up date and time for your materials.
Tuesdays: 4pm for patrons who wish to browse the Adult section of the library only.
Tuesdays: 4:30pm for families who wish to browse only the Children's Room or both Adults and Children's.
Additional time slots may be added.  Please check the Online Events Calendar for additional dates and times.
4. At your scheduled date and time, you will receive a video call from a Librarian that will appear on your screen as Oceanside Technology. We will be chatting face-to-face!
5. If you do not have FaceTime set up on your device, it is important that you make sure to do so before your video call appointment. If you need information on how to set up your FaceTime and adjust FaceTime settings, you can visit this website for some instruction: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-use-facetime/
Added on Monday 8/3.


When are Library Staff working in the building?
Library staff are working in the building Monday - Thursday from 9am - 9pm and Friday - Saturday from 9am - 5pm.  Staff are working on Curbside Pickup, receiving and processing materials, and assisting patrons during Browsing & Borrowing Appointments.  If you have a question or need some assistance during library hours, please give us a call at 516-766-2360, Dial 0 for the Front Desk or 4 for the Information Desk.  Updated on Monday 7/27.


Can I start placing holds for items?  Is the Nassau interloan system up and running?
If you would like to place a hold for any item, please feel free to do so!  If you have a hold on your card, please be assured that staff are doing their best to try and fill those holds as soon as we can.  The Nassau Library System interloan service is now active so we can arrange for delivery of materials from other libraries.  The Library is now receiving and processing newer library materials so please feel free to start placing holds for materials, both old and new, in our online catalog.  When your items are available, staff will call you to arrange a curbside pickup time.  Thank you for your patience and your understanding.  Updated on Monday 7/27.


So did I hear that the Library is offering Contactless Curbside Pickup of library materials?
Yes, in fact you did hear that!  It's a simple process but there are a few steps to follow.  You may request specific materials but if we do not have them, please offer some alternate suggestions.  A due date slip will be included with your materials.  Pickup times are now being scheduled Monday - Thursday from 9:15am - 8pm and Friday - Saturday from 9:15am - 4pm.  There are a few more things to note but please click here for all the information that you will need!  Go ahead, we'll be here when you get ba...wow that was fast!  Updated on Tuesday 7/14.


I still have library materials at home, what should I do with them?  Is your Book Drop open?
Excellent news!!  The Library's Book Drop is open Monday - Thursday 9am - 9pm and Friday - Saturday from 9am - 5pm!!  Please feel free to return your books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and video games to the library during those hours.  If you have a Kindle or Playaway device, please hold on to that device for now (you will not be charged any overdue fines!) because we do not want those items to be damaged upon return.  If you would prefer to hold onto your items for a little bit longer, please feel free to do so.  We will not be charging overdue fines!  Please note that if the Book Drop is full or if the Book Drop is locked, please do not leave items outside.  Items left outside of the Book Drop may be discarded for safety issues and you may be charged for lost materials.  Items will be placed into quarantine for 7 days and will be cleared from your library card after the 7 day quarantine period has lapsed.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!  Updated on Tuesday 7/14.


I returned an item in the Book Drop but it is still checked out on my card.  Why is that?
An excellent question!  Any items that are returned in the library book drop are placed into quarantine for 7 days due to an abundance of caution.  Our custodial staff empties the drop multiple times a day, bags all of the items, and moves them to storage for one week.  After the quarantine has lapsed, materials are brought into the building and cleared.  No fines are incurred so you do not have to worry about that.  If you check your account and see that items that you have returned are still on your card or if you receive a notice that a material is about to be due, please allow for some time for the items to be cleared.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.  Updated on Tuesday 7/14.


My materials were due in March or April, when are those now due?
All materials that were due from March 13, 2020 through the end of April 2020 were given an extended due date of September 1, 2020.  The Library's Book Drop is open Monday - Thursday 9am - 9pm and Friday - Saturday from 9am - 5pm so please feel free to return any materials that you have checked out.  Please note that all returned materials will be placed into quarantine for 7 days and will be cleared from your library card after the 7 day quarantine period has lapsed.  Updated on Wednesday 7/15.


Is the Library accepting book donations?
At this time we are not accepting donations of books or any other materials.  If you have items that you would like to donate, you may contact Causeway Book Club (516-451-8788).  You can also check out The Book Fairies (516-557-6645) who might be able to assist you as well.  Added on Friday 6/26.


Will there be Adult, Teen, and Children's Summer Reading Clubs this year?
Yes, yes, and yes!  How could we not have them?  Our "Making Waves" Adult Summer Reading Club is now open for your rating and reviewing pleasure!  Even though the Library is closed, we will still be offering the opportunity for entrants to win fun prizes.  Please visit Paging Oceanside for more details.  The Children's "Imagine Your Story" and Teen "Team Summer Book Battle" Summer Reading Clubs are now open as well!  For the teens: Form a team to compete for a grand prize!  Join with friends or members of your sports team, club, church or temple group, community group, or join our library team!  Review your books here!  See the Teens page for further details!  Updated on Sunday 6/21.


So do you have any news on the 2020/2021 Library Budget vote?
Yes!  The Oceanside Library 2020/2021 Budget passed by a vote of 4278 - 3508!  Oceanside, we are humbled and we thank you.  This has been a very tough year for all of us and we truly appreciate your vote of confidence.  We look forward to continuing the high standard of library service you have come to expect of us for many years to come!  Please check OceansideVision2020.com for and renovation and bond related information and updates.   Updated on Wednesday 6/24.


My library card needs to be renewed, how do I do that?
All active Oceanside Library cards have been renewed through December 31, 2020.  If your card has expired, click here to get a temporary digital card.  Digital cards expire on December 31, 2020 but may be extended beyond this date.  Here is a little more information on what services are available to Oceanside residents with this temporary digital card.  Updated on Wednesday 8/5.


I can not find my library card, what do I do now?
If you believe that your card is still active but you can not locate it, please click here.  Nassau Library System staff will reach out to you and provide your library barcode if it is still active.  If it is not, you will get a temporary digital card.  Digital cards expire on December 31, 2020 but may be extended beyond this date.  Here is a little more information on what services are available to you with this temporary digital card.  Updated on Wednesday 8/5.


Um, did I just get a call from the Library?  Is this legit?
Yes, you may have gotten a call from a member of the Library staff.  And yes, this is legit!  Library staff are reaching out to let you know that staff are back in the building, appointments can be made for borrowing and browsing, and we are still offering many remote services!  No one on the staff will be asking you for any personal information like your library card number, your credit card number, or even your social security number so please do not share anything like that.  Although if you have a good recipe for banana bread, we are definitely interested in that!  Updated on Monday 7/27.


I need to take a Defensive Driving Class, do you have any information?
As a matter of fact we do!  The Empire Safety Council is offering online Defensive Driving Classes and is extending a $10 discount to Oceanside residents who use the Promo Code BEB.  Visit their website or Facebook page to sign up for a class.  Please contact Diana Palumbo-Wilbur at 631-664-0652 or email her with any questions.  Added on Wednesday 7/15.


I am a senior or know a senior who is in URGENT need of limited essential deliveries or groceries, who can I reach out to?
Thanks to the due diligence of two of our star librarian staff, here are three resources that can provide urgent assistance:
Ask Umbrella (1-844-402-2480) has a credit card number required and a suggested $10 donation.

Operation Infinity - does shopping for seniors and people with immune compromised health.  Call or email Jayne Guarino (516-320-0715, jayne.guarino128@gmail.com) or John Fallon (516-592-9245, john.christopher.fallon@gmail.com) for information.

A brief summary: Once you speak with them, they will send a volunteer in your area to your residence. The volunteers will collect your shopping list and payment (either a credit card/debit card or cash) and then proceed to pick up your groceries. Once they have finished shopping they will return with the groceries, a receipt and any change or your cards. While providing this service they take safety extremely seriously and make sure their volunteers are wearing protective equipment. They urge those who use their services to wipe down all grocery items with disinfecting wipes as another precaution. They also try to limit any contact between volunteers and those requiring the service by asking them to leave the list and payment in an envelope outside their door for the volunteers to pick up. Volunteers will leave the groceries at the doorstep of the residence or another safe agreed upon location.
A brief disclaimer: Most of their volunteers are college students or recent graduates with limited grocery shopping experience. Due to this runs can take sometimes between 2-3 hours. They also urge our volunteers to call those they are helping with any questions while shopping so a phone number is suggested to be supplied for this open communication. Due to an increase in requests they will be limiting runs to one per family per 2 weeks. They ask that you be understanding with regards to quantity and specificity of groceries, because of the pandemic many items are extremely difficult to find and certain brands may be unattainable. Added on Wednesday, May 6

The Oceanside Senior Center (516-764-9792) will have volunteers delivering items beginning next week.  Seniors must be able to pay by cash or check upon delivery.  Limitations and specific details can be obtained by calling them directly.  Added on Friday 4/24.


Hoopla Digital?  Did I hear that the Library now has Hoopla Digital?
Who told you that?  Because they were correct!  Hoopla Digital is a library service where Oceanside Library cardholders (over 18 years of age) can borrow then stream or download audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, eBooks, comics and graphic novels.  Hoopla Digital works with Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Android and Amazon Alexa (smart speaker).  There is a Hoopla Digital app available for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire plus you can access Hoopla Digital on your computer at hoopladigital.com.  You can borrow up a total of 10 individual titles a month.  Please note: Once your 10 title threshold is met, you will have to wait for the first day of the following month to check out additional titles.  Click here for more information.  Updated on Friday 6/19.


Did I just hear something about a Virtual Notary Service?
It's true, 100%.  The Governor has made it possible for notaries to provide services virtually.  Our Assistant Director for Community Services will notarize documents for Oceanside District residents. Email Tony Iovino at aiovino@oceansidelibrary.com for more information.  Added on Thursday 4/16.


April 15th has come and gone, do you have any information on taxes or VITA income tax help?
Here's what we have: The filing deadline for Federal and New York State tax returns has been extended to July 15, 2020.  VITA tax preparation services are unfortunately unavailable at this time.  Please check their website for any additional information.  The AARP Foundation announced on their website that Tax-Aide is providing access to selected tax preparation software so some tax payers can prepare and file their own tax returns at no cost so please take a take a look to see if you qualify.  Here are the links to Federal Tax Forms and New York State Tax Forms.  Updated on Wednesday 7/15.


So what have you been up to since the Library closed?
Oh wow, don't get us started!  Seriously though, please check our social media, specifically our Facebook page, for a look at everything that we have been doing.  Please show some love to our Twitter and Instagram as well.  Our Technology Librarian has added some very helpful instructional videos (and some of our online programs as well!) to our YouTube channel so please check them out!  And please email aiovino@oceansidelibrary.com to be added to our Oceanside Library Email "EBlasts" so you can have our information come to you.  Updated on Saturday 5/9.


Any updates on "in-person" programs?
This is a tough one.  We are truly disappointed to tell you that all of our "in-person" July & August programs have been cancelled.  We will continue to hold our online programs though!  See the next note!  Updated on Wednesday 7/15.


Are you doing any online programming?
But of course!  In addition to our Facebook page and Email "EBlasts," please check our Online Events Calendar.  All of our online programs, as well as any necessary login information, can be found there.  Storytimes, Cozy Book Chats, Drop In & Chat sessions, and exercise sessions are just a few of our online offerings.  There is some amazing work being doing by our amazing staff (and outside presenters too!) so please check out what we have to offer...you will not be disappointed!  Updated on Thursday 4/23.


I missed some of your online programs, can I view them anywhere?
As a matter of fact, yes!  Please visit our YouTube channel to check out some of the programs that we have hosted over the past few months.  From a Guitar Jam Session to Chair Yoga to Storytimes to Play Hooray, you can view a number of our online programs at your convenience.  Don't forget to subscribe to our channel!  Added on Monday 5/18.


I heard that you now have a Virtual Gallery for Oceanside artists.  Is that true?
Well yes...but we were framed!  Seriously though, please visit our new Virtual Gallery, THE lower LEVEL, to see what cool artwork our local artists are sharing.  Make sure to check out our featured and local artists in The Main Gallery as well as the works of our younger patrons in The Teen Gallery and The Kids Gallery!  We're even going to have an Oceanside Teen Zine (a self-published, short magazine) featured on the site as well!  The exhibitions and artists will be displayed for a limited time so please check back to see any new exhibits!  Updated on Tuesday 7/7.


Are there any resources that I can use while I'm at home?
A simple yes!  Check out Oceanside Library 24/7/365 because it's a one-stop shop for many of the resources that you can access from home.  Also please check out our database page for additional resources as well.  And a big shout out to Paging Oceanside, our sister site that focuses on all things reading including book recommendations, online book clubs, and more!  Updated on Monday 3/30.


What's that little bubble on the lower right hand corner of the the library homepage?
Oh, you noticed!  We started up a Virtual Information Desk!  While we are still closed and even after we reopen to the public, our exceptional librarian staff will be available to you Mondays - Thursdays from 9am - 9pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 9am - 5pm (except holidays) to help answer questions that you have.  If our librarians can not answer your question during the chat, they will ask you for an email address and get back to you as soon as they can.  The Librarian Is In!  Updated on Wednesday 7/15.


I'm in need Wi-Fi and I would normally go to the Library to use yours, do you have any suggestions?
Good news!  A number of local public libraries, including Oceanside, are offering free public Wi-Fi in areas outside of their buildings!  Here is a list of libraries in both Nassau and Suffolk that are offering this service.  If any login credentials are needed, that is noted in the document.  Many thanks to all of the libraries sharing their information and their Wi-Fi!  Added on Friday 5/15.


Do you happen to know which local Oceanside restaurants or food establishments are open?
As a matter of fact we do!  Courtesy of the Oceanside NY Matters Facebook Group, here a list they have compiled and we're happy to share it with you.  We suggest calling ahead for any new information or updated service hours.  We will post updated versions as often as we can.  Here's a second list compiled by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce.  Updated on Monday 4/20.


Is there anything that I can do to contribute to ongoing relief efforts?
Thank you for asking!  The Kiwanis Club of Oceanside and the Oceanside Library are teaming up to help the staff at Mount Sinai South Nassau, our first responders, and local restaurants, delis, etc.  We know this is a tough time for many of our neighbors. But if you are looking for a way to help, please consider a donation.  Here is a link to donate via PayPal. And here is a little more info.  Oceanside Library, Mount Sinai South Nassau, and the Oceanside Fire Department, as well as our local eateries thank you for your support!  Added on Wednesday 4/8.


How can I get in touch with you if I have any further questions?
Please email us at aiovino@oceansidelibrary.com or remoteassistance@oceansidelibrary.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.