See all posts in the Libraries series
By Paul Ericsson
Note: Carver County Library branch managers are providing updates approximately twice a month on exciting programs, new services, and book reviews for Carver County Local News. This month, Paul Ericsson (Waconia, Norwood Young America, and Watertown) shares some exciting new policies and information about upcoming programs.
Ready for the new year? In 2025, the Carver County libraries will introduce two new user-friendly policies and a full schedule of events for all ages.
Fines and fees to be eliminated
Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, Carver County libraries will no longer charge overdue fines, and there will not be a fee for faxing.
Keep the following things in mind:
- Due dates will still apply to all checked out items.
- Libraries will continue to offer auto-renewal of materials. Items will renew up to four times, provided no one else has requested an item and if the item type allows for renewal.
- Items not returned within 14 days of the due date will be charged a replacement fee.
- Past overdue fines and fees for lost and damaged materials still apply. A user’s library card account will be blocked if they owe $25 or more in past fines and replacement fees.
The goal of this policy change is to improve efficiency and enhance the overall experience for library patrons. Eliminating overdue fines allows staff to spend less time managing fine collections and more time focusing on assisting patrons, offering services, and supporting community programs. This change reflects the library’s commitment to providing excellent customer service and making the library more accessible to everyone.
Activities for everyone!
Looking for something fun to do? Each week, Carver County libraries offer self-directed crafts and activities for people of all ages. The programs – with a different theme each week – are specifically designed so both young children and adults can participate, and all supplies are provided.
Examples include:
- The Waconia Library hosts Wednesday Whimsey each week from 11:30 – 5:00.
- The Watertown Library hosts Crafty Thursday every week from 11:00 – 4:30.
- The Norwood Young America Library hosts Fantastic Fridays from 1:00 – 4:00.
After pausing for a few weeks during the recent winter holidays, storytimes for pre-K families will begin again at all branches the week starting January 6. The full schedule can be found at www.carverlib.org The early literacy “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” initiative compliments the robust storytime schedule and provides incentives and milestones to help families achieve the thousand book goal.
On Saturday, Jan. 4, from 11:00-11:45, children ages 6-12 will enjoy some friendly competition with Book Character Bingo at the Waconia Library.
The Carver County Library offers traditional books for all ages, but that’s not all. Patrons also have access to eBooks that are so convenient for traveling, eAudiobooks for listening via download (or listen to the traditional books on CD format), and eMagazines to download and keep. Citizens interest in reading bestseller list content can watch the “Your Lucky Day” collection shelves for extra copies of books that have request lists.
Need more information?
To view the schedule of library hours, the calendar of programs for children, teens and adults, or to learn about all our other services, please visit http://www.carverlib.org or pick up a printed brochure at the library.
All branches of the Carver County Library have new phone numbers. Users can call the general number at (952) 303-0410 and follow the prompts for each branch.
