Dear Library Community,
Not having access to our libraries has been hard on all of us. Hard on those who rely on the library for free resources, for access to physical books, magazines and DVDs and those missing the variety of programs for families and for every age group. We know how eager many of you are to get inside the libraries. Please be assured we have been carefully developing a plan that meets with State and County guidelines for reopening. We do not have a specific timeline for reopening yet, but we’re focused on the health and safety of all of you and our staff members and on doing it right.
In the meantime, Front Door Service will continue at 24 community libraries. In the first two weeks since launching the service, we have seen an incredible number of hold requests and even more materials checked out. More than 50,000 items were checked out and more than 60,000 items were placed on hold. Staff are extremely busy filling all the requests, answering phone and text questions, keeping appointments, and making sure Front Door Service is fast, easy and safe.
Here’s how Front Door Service works:
- Place a hold
- Wait for notification that the hold is ready
- Schedule an appointment
- Pick up
Signs are posted outside each library with instructions about how to notify staff that you have arrived for your appointment. Your library materials will be placed in a bag with your name on it and put on a table at the front door. Appointments are encouraged, but not required. If you arrive without an appointment you may experience a wait. Visit the Front Door Service page to read more about the safety precautions we are taking, to place a hold or make an appointment.
I am amazed by all the happy, smiling eyes we have seen at the front doors of our libraries these last two weeks. The appreciation you have shown for the work of our library staff and your enthusiasm for library services is affirmation that libraries remain a vital part of our communities.
Sincerely,
Melinda Cervantes
County Librarian
