PORT ANGELES – Libraries countywide began accepting book returns via curbside service today, the first baby step toward reopening services since NOLS was forced to shut down back in March because of the pandemic.
Because all materials being returned have to be quarantined before they’re put back into circulation, they can only accept returns through Saturday from 11:00am to 5:00pm as a trial run and then they’ll take break to assess the outcome.
NOLS Director Margaret Jakubcin says this is all new territory we’re in and getting back to normal will take time.
“These are logistically complicated enough that we’ll…wherever we can we’re going to try to do a little trial run first to make sure it all works smoothly, so that we’re not endangering anyone’s health or just getting out there into territory we’re not quite sure what to do with.”
Because they’re expecting an enormous amount of material to be returned in these next 4 days, a daunting job to sort out, items may not show as returned on your account for 7-10 working days. No fines will be charged for any overdue materials.
The next step in the reopening plan is to begin holds pickup via curbside service beginning Wednesday, June 24 from 11am-5pm at all branches Monday through Friday, and 10am-1pm on Saturdays at the Forks, Sequim and Port Angeles branches.
Jakubcin also told us that the goal is to begin offering curbside borrowing service by the end of the month. That may entail reserving a book online and then showing up to get it, or they ask us to drive up, tell a librarian what you want and wait for them to go and get it for you.
“Probably, library service, like everything else in our society, is going to look a lot different for a long time to come. A lot of people have said there’s no game plan for this. We’re actually kind of making it up as we go along.”
To help protect employees and the public, all patrons are encouraged to wear a face covering when dropping off or picking up materials.
Keep in mind that your library is always open online, and you learn more about the current situation at www.nols.org/covid-19.
Please be aware that book donations are not being accepted at this time.