County libraries open for pickup

After being closed for nearly three months amid the COVID-19 pandemic, two dozen Los Angeles County Library branches reopened for sidewalk service Monday.

Library patrons can reserve books, CDs and DVDs online or by phone at 24 locations. The library will notify customers once the materials they have requested are ready for pickup. Those who placed holds on materials prior to the March 15 closure will be notified when their items are available.

Pickups are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Although the buildings remain closed to the public, staff will be on call from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., officials said.

Library patrons should call to schedule a pickup and can park in spots designated for “sidewalk service holds.” Customers are asked to call the number on the parking sign when they arrive.

“You’ll be asked to wait in a designated area, wearing a face covering, while your holds are brought to a table for you to pick up,” the library website states.

Although only 24 locations are offering sidewalk pickups for now, library materials may be returned at any of the county’s book drops.

Due dates for existing checkouts have been extended through July 15. Newly checked-out books and CDs must be returned within three weeks; DVDs within one week.

Returned materials will be held out of circulation for a period of time before being reissued, in keeping with recommendations by health and safety officials, library officials said. For those who prefer not to use the sidewalk service, digital offerings remain available.