Libraries bringing back curbside hold pickups

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, July 1, 2020

For many library patrons, the wait for materials is almost complete.

The North Olympic Library System last week began offering curbside pickups for held items each weekday at each of its branches, as well as Saturday pickups at the Sequim, Forks and Port Angeles branches.

On the first day of curbside service, June 24, nearly 200 patrons returned to the library to pick up materials they had requested.

In early June, Washington State issued new guidance allowing libraries to offer limited service in Phase 2 of the “Safe Start” plan. The guidance doesn’t allow for NOLS branches to open but does allow for returns and hold pickups, library officials note.

Curbside holds pickup and returns are available 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at all branches, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays at the Sequim Branch (630 N. Sequim Ave.), as well as Port Angeles (2210 S. Peabody St.) and Forks (171 S. Forks Ave.).

To help protect employees and the public, patrons are asked to wear a face covering when checking in or picking up materials.

Library users can place hold requests online at www.nols.org or by calling a customer service staffer. When holds arrive, requesting users will receive the standard hold email, phone or text notification. To pick up items, follow the prompts in the parking area.

Because of the thousands of holds patrons placed while the library was closed — and a large number of new holds expected in coming weeks — wait times for requested material may be longer than usual, library director Noah Glaude said.

Returns will not show as returned on one’s account for up to 10 days; library materials must be quarantined and there is an enormous amount of backlogged material to process, Glaude said.

Physical items checked out before the library closure began in mid-March will retain their original due dates, but no overdue fees will be charged when they are returned.

Those who have been experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 (or are in a household where someone has those symptoms) are asked to not return any items; through at least July 31, patron accounts will not be blocked from checking out because of overdue material.

In compliance with the “Safe Start” requirements, all NOLS staff members are required to wear cloth face masks, and maintain a 6-foot physical distance between patrons and other staffers.

Normal loan periods will be applied to items checked out on or after June 22.

Note: Donations are not being accepted at this time.

Online

Sign up for the Summer Reading Program at www.nols.org/srp and learn about the Summer Reading Challenge as well as exciting virtual events happening throughout the summer for library users of all ages.

All meeting room reservations have been cancelled through at least Monday, Aug. 31; no new meeting room reservations are being accepted at this time.

Public Wi-Fi will remain available outside of each NOLS branch 24/7 and a selection of online resources is always available at www.nols.org/online-resources.

Visit the library at www.nols.org or follow NOLS on Facebook and Instagram to enjoy events, online resources and other NOLS services.

Library staff are also available by phone, Monday-Saturday, at 360-417-8500, x2.