Willmar Public Library

WILLMAR — While the Willmar Library remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has opened the book return slot and now offers curbside pickup. While staff is in the library during pickup dates and times, they will NOT answer the door and no patrons will be allowed into the library. Call 320-235-3162 for assistance with registration. The library website is at www.willmarpubliclibrary.org .

WiFi: You can access WiFi 24/7 from the security of a parked car in the lot behind the library or in front of the building. No library card? No problem! Open a digital library card through Overdrive completely online by providing your cell phone number.

Contactless curbside pickup of library items including books, board games, yard games, fitness kits, DVDs, magazines, music CDs, audiovisual kits, and more will be from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays by appointment only. If someone in your household is sick, please DO NOT use curbside service. Place a hold for a physical library item using your library card. Go online at iii.pioneerland.lib.mn.us/ or call 320-235-3162. The library will contact you when the item is available to set pickup details. Special arrangements will need to be made for returns that do not fit in the drop box.

Outside book return is now open. All items checked out before March 17 have had their due dates extended to May 30. If someone in your household is sick, please do not return items. If the item will not fit in the book return, call the library to arrange for a special return. Do not leave items outside book return or entry doors. Items lost or damaged are the responsibility of the borrower until the item is checked in.

Seed Library: Request seeds online and use curbside service to pick them up. Fill out the form on the website with selections.

Virtual Little People Storytime: Every Thursday at 10 a.m. through May 28, via Zoom meeting software. Kathy, from the Willmar Public Library, and LaRae, from Willmar Early Childhood Family Education, will lead the online storytime geared toward younger preschoolers, but every age child is welcome. Join the Storytime via Zoom https://us04web.zoom.us/j/444831656 . Meeting ID: 444 831 656

Photography contest online: Entry deadline is before May 25. Photos must have been taken within the last calendar year and relate to the theme of “Beauty in Willmar.” Photos must be original and suitable to a family environment. Open to amateur photographers of any age, one entry per person. Complete rules and instructions on the website.

Online Book Club: noon, May 20, book discussion using Zoom on your computer, tablet, phone, etc. Fill out the form at www.willmarpubliclibrary.org/adult-services/ to receive further info on how to sign in to the Zoom meeting. May 20 will be a general book chat, June 17 will discuss “The Starless Sea” by Erin Morgenstern.

Adult trivia: every Thursday, 7 p.m., play live Trivia solo or assemble a team, ages 18 and over.

Adult make and take: Various crafts will be posted on our website as they are available. Use the form on the website to reserve your supplies to make your very own featured project. Everything you will need, including instructions, will be put in a bag for you to pick up using our no-contact curbside delivery. Once you have registered, library staff will call you within one week to set up a time for pick up. Ages 18 and over.

Public WiFi

WILLMAR — Free wireless internet service is now available in Pennock, Blomkest and rural New London to help students and community members in need of internet service. The WiFi hotspots are courtesy of Kandiyohi County and MVTV Wireless. The log-in is mvtv and the password is 5705. For technical support, call the MVTV office at 320-564-4807.

The buildings hosting the hotspots are not open, but the WiFi can be accessed from outside of the Pennock Community Center, Blomkest Community Center and the Lake Andrew Township Hall, which is at the intersection of Kandiyohi County Road 5 Northwest and County Road 29, about 15 miles north of Willmar.

Prairie Woods ELC

SPICER — The Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center welcomes hikers to use the trails during daylight hours at no cost. All bathrooms are closed at this time. Pets should be on a leash. For more information, call or check the website at www.prairiewoodselc.or g .

Sibley State Park

NEW LONDON — The park is open for walking and hiking. The trail center bathrooms below the Interpretive Center are open. A vehicle permit is required to enter the park and is available online. Sibley State Park is west of New London just off U.S. Highway 71. For more information, visit the state Department of Natural Resources website at www.dnr.state.mn.us .