COVID-19 Library Pickup
During COVID-19, many libraries have been forced to close their locations. Some libraries have started doing a sidewalk pickup option so that patrons can still check out materials safely while staying at home. This page is intended to share how some libraries have been able to do that so that branches considering opening their doors can get an idea of what the process is like, some alternative options for patrons who need it, and also how to share information with their patrons. Below is the LA County Library video on what their procedure is like. If anyone has other information about what branches are doing or ideas for librarians to share, please leave a comment in a form and it will be added to this page.
The LA County Library website also contains information about how they quarantine books. Patrons return books to the book slot, then they are quarantined for 4 days, after which the items are removed from people's accounts. The library keeps track of when an item was returned, so if the due date is during quarantine, while the account will show that there is an overdue item, no charges will be added and no holds on the account to prevent from other checkouts.
The website includes FAQ for people, including options for people without a computer/phone or are deaf or hard-of-hearing. They can arrage a pickup time with a librarian 2 days in advance.
This video and website gives a good foundation for other libraries who are thinking of how to operate safely during COVID-19 and still provide people with materials without opening their locations.
Other libraries have shown a similar process, such as Loveland Library in Colorado.
The LA County Library has you call and then they will place the book out for 15 minutes, so there is no interaction with the librarians. Loveland sets your books aside, but has someone greet you outside and then place a book on the table. Nashville Public Library drops off books in the car trunk, as demonstrated in this video.
It is up to the county to decide what approaches seem safest to them.
When setting up the process, it would be a good idea to remind patrons of how the online catalog works by possibly providing an instructional video or page, and then mentioning that anyone with questions can reach out to librarians and can be walked through the process. The Cincinatti Library is an example of a video walk through that can be used.