Category Archives: News

News

Shelter in Place & the VHPL

Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz has issued a statewide shelter-in-place order that starts on Friday at 11:59pm and will continue through Friday, April 10. You can read more about his order on his website.

What does this mean for the Van Horn Public Library? 

Following this order means we will be completely closed 3/30-4/10/2020. Our staff will not be in the building, and we will not be able to supply curbside services. At this time, we do not know if we will be offering curbside pickup after this order expires on April 10.

Any items currently checked out are now due on April 18.  

Please remember we have access to over 16,000 titles online through Overdrive and its Libby app.

You can also get books (without a due date!) from the Little Free Library by the Pine Island Pool. 

We will post more information about resuming library services when we know more and have updates. Thank you for your understanding and support in this challenging time.

News

Census 2020

Did you know that Minnesota is in danger of losing a seat in the US House of Representatives?

The 2020 Census is quickly approaching. The Library will be dedicating a computer so anyone coming in can fill out the census survey. If you have questions about the census and its importance, City Council member Kelly Leibold will be here weekly to answer them!

Starting April 1, we will have a computer dedicated to filling out census surveys. We hope everyone in Pine Island takes part in the Census so we are truly represented in Washington DC! Take a look at MN’s 2020 Census website to learn more.

Census Questions answered Thursdays from 6-8pm at the library in March & April.
News

No more overdue fines!

The Van Horn Public Library is pleased to announce that we are eliminating overdue fines for all of our items starting on January 1, 2020. The Library’s Board of Trustees approved this change at their December 2019 meeting as a way to increase access to library materials for everyone in Pine Island. 

“I have heard of more than one family who does not use the library because of the threat of overdue fines. Hopefully with this new policy, these families will see the library as a great resource for them for both recreational and educational materials,” said Rachel Gray, Library Director. 

 Many libraries across the country have gone fine free in recent years and the outcomes have been positive. Many report that they have a more welcoming and friendly reputation in their communities. Others say that they have more library materials returned since patrons are not worried about having to pay fines.

The Van Horn Public Library joins both the Brownsdale and Rushford Public Libraries in going fine free in SE Minnesota. “We are thankful that other nearby libraries have blazed a trail for us to follow,” Gray said. 

Next time you’re in the library, please consider supporting this new policy by using the donation boxes at our circulation desks. 

While the library is eliminating overdue fines, patrons are still responsible for fees associated with the replacement of lost or damaged books and other materials they check out. Library users will also be expected to pay any overdue fines that are accrued for items from other libraries in the SELCO region.