HERE ARE THE IMPORTANT DATES to know:
The library begins to reopen Monday, June 8: Nonessential ODL Staff return to work to prepare for a drive thru pickup model
Wednesday, June 10: Book-drop reopens and patrons may begin placing holds. All materials returned will be quarantined for 72 hours. Your returns will not be checked in for four days after you return them. No fines will be accrued during the quarantine period because all check-ins will be backdated 4 days.
Monday, June 15: Drive Thru Pickup Window Opens (Procedure follows)
As things have changed on an almost constant basis, these dates could be subject to further change. We want to stress that the safety of our community and staff is of top priority to us. Staff at our drive thru window will be trained in proper use of PPE, have daily health screenings/temperature checks upon arrival to work. Staff will be trained in procedures to keep Drive Thru services as sanitary and touch free as possible, but we do wish for the community to realize they will need to take steps to protect themselves also when utilizing any curbside services. If you are a vulnerable adult who wishes to have a trusted friend or relative pick up your materials, please call the library after June 10 to arrange for that.
We will not be ready to begin a social distance model of the library (Phase 3) beyond drive thru for an undetermined amount of time. We need to install Plexiglas and signage, reorganize our library features, put other safety features into place, and develop new procedures for our staff. It is possible that computer service could return before the stacks reopen. Preparing for the social distance model of the library could take several weeks or more, or could be ready sooner than we think. We have been currently working on getting our roof repaired, working with a remote staff, ordering PPE, preparing for drive thru pickup, as well as regular administrative duties. All of this is new to all of us. We thank you for your continued patience as we get through this time together and look forward to serving you at the Drive Thru Pickup window!
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ANNOUNCING ODL’s NEW DRIVE THRU PICKUP!
Drive Thru Window Pickup Procedure:
Place your material(s) on hold by using the library’s online card catalog or by calling the library at (269) 694-9690. NO REQUESTS AT THE DRIVE UP WINDOW. If you are able, please use the online system for placing holds. Begin placing holds online and by phone starting June 10. The Drive Thru Pickup Window opens on Monday, June 15!
Open window hours will be: Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-3.
Because we do not know the volume of cars to expect at first, we request that you enter on Platt Street and pull up to the library’s marked drive thru pickup window (just beyond the drive thru book drop). Please do not block Dix Street waiting in line. Use the Platt Street entrance instead.
Library staff will be at the curbside window. There is a two-way intercom. Staff will request your library card number, please have this handy to read to them. They will not be collecting your physical card. If you do not have a library card, they will ask an identifying verification question to confirm your identity. Staff will checkout your holds to you, and deliver them through the window. Your items will be slid out the window to you in a bag inside a tub.
Items requested will be held for 7 days before being returned to the shelves. Fines may not be paid at the window. Please utilize the book drop for book returns. Staff will NOT take returned items at the window. Please call the library with any issues with your library card do not address library issues at the curbside window. The drive thru pickup is for drive thru pickup of holds ONLY. ABSOLUTELY NO WALK-UP or BICYCLE CHECKOUTS at the window, FOR YOUR SAFETY THE DRIVE-UP WINDOW IS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES ONLY and all patrons must remain inside of their vehicle.
Staff will only bring items to the window that are already on hold via the methods described above. Please do not pull up the window and then request your items.
Regular material limits and checkout rules, and fees for lost/damaged items apply.
We will also offer Interlibrary loan via curbside pickup when the Melcat service returns.
Enjoy the new Drive Thru Window Pickup Service at YOUR library!
Andrea Estelle,
Otsego District Library Director
