Colleen and Jade Driscoll of the Friends of the Dickinson County Library in Iron Mountain gave out craft kits and sidewalk chalk kids could use while listening to live music at Thursday’s Out to Lunch program in downtown Iron Mountain. They also handed out information on library programs. (Iron Mountain Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Both the children’s room and the Local History Room are now open for browsing at the main Dickinson County Library in downtown Iron Mountain, as the library system expands services and moves further into its phased reopening plan.

Appointments no longer are necessary to visit any of the three library locations: the main in Iron Mountain, the Solomonson branch in Norway and the North Dickinson branch in Felch Township.

The libraries have plenty of new fiction books, non-fiction books, audiobooks and DVDs for all ages. In addition, library card holders can now check out select newspapers for a 24-hour period, though current issues and The Daily News are not eligible.

For those looking for meeting space at the Iron Mountain library, the Local History Room can be reserved for groups of up to six and a small meeting room is available for individuals. The multi-purpose room is not available for group reservations at this time.

A new feature at the main library is a pair of exercise bikes. Patrons are welcome to read a book or magazine or use an iPad mini with earbuds while getting light exercise. The library asks that those using the bikes refrain from vigorous exercise, do not bring food or drink and use headphones or earbuds for all audio. For more information, ask at the circulation desk.

Summer reading is in full swing — patrons can stop at any library location to register and receive a bag of goodies. All ages are welcome to participate.

For information on upcoming in-person programs, check the events calendar on the website at www.dcl-lib.org. Pre-registration is required for all in-person programs.

The library sites also have plenty of take-n-make craft kits that will be advertised on the social media channels. Follow the Dickinson County Library to catch them all.

DCL also has wi-fi “hotspot” tablets that can be taken out for up to 14 days to adult library card holders. These devices can function either as an Internet-connected tablet or as a hotspot that can provide Internet access for up to eight separate devices. Each comes loaded with helpful apps, such as Libby for eBooks and audiobooks, and more. DCL advises that signal strength may vary by location and the library does not guarantee connectivity in all areas.

As always, Friends of the Library Book Sale items are available to browse and purchase in the room behind the computer lab at the Iron Mountain location. Prices are marked on a sign in the room. New items regularly are added, so check back often.

The main and Solomonson libraries are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. The North Dickinson branch is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Per current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders, masks are required except for individuals who are fully vaccinated or younger than age 2.

Curbside services remain available for those who want them by calling the local library site — 906-774-1218 for Iron Mountain, 906-563-8617 for the Solomonson branch and 906-542-7230 for the North Dickinson branch — to schedule a pickup time.