Libraries planning to start drive-thrus, curbside pickup

The libraries in Ohio were closed in March to slow the transmission of the novel coronavirus although there were activities offered online and digital services were available for reading, listening and viewing.

But staff will be returning to all Lake County libraries and they will begin the gradual process of reopening, according to a news release.

For now, the buildings are still closed to the public. However, libraries will be able to offer services that don’t require patrons in the buildings, the release stated. The libraries will also begin to offer drivethru or curbside pickup of books, movies, music and other items in their collection.

More specifically: • Fairport Harbor Public Library will begin providing curbside pickup service from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays, beginning May 11.

• Kirtland Public Library will offer curbside service beginning May 18. Hours will be from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekdays.

• Madison Public Library will offer curbside pickup beginning May 18. The hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and noon to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

• Mentor will offer drivethru service at its Main Branch and curbside pickup at its Headlands and Lake Branches, starting May 18, during its previously scheduled regular hours Mondays to Sundays.

Patrons will need to place items on hold at the library before they can be picked up. Starting May 18, people can call the library to put items on hold or they can place items on hold online at www.mentorpl.org by signing into their account. Patrons will need their library card number and PIN to sign in.

Curbside and drive-thru pickup will be available during the library’s regular hours until 15 minutes before the branch closes.

• Morley Library will also offer curbside service beginning May 18.

• Perry will offer curbside pickup, beginning May 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

• Wickliffe will be offering curbside pick-up beginning May 26.

• Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will begin offering curbside service on May 18.

Curbside/drive-thru pickup from the library will function like ordering takeout from a restaurant, the release stated. Patrons will need to call the library ahead of time to make sure the books, movies and other items they want are available.

The exact process for drive-thru or curbside pickup may differ between the eight different library branches in Lake County. In all instances, patrons are encouraged to contact their library for specifics and check their library’s website or social media for updates

As for when libraries will be able to reopen to the public, they have to operate under best practices for patrons’ health, and that will take some time to make these arrangements, the release stated. The public will be informed when buildings can reopen.

FILE The Fairport Harbor Public Library, 335Vine St. in Fairport Harbor Village, and other Lake County libraries will soon be re-opening their doors, sort of. Each is setting up guidelines and hours for patrons to call in a request and then pick up the borrowed items curbside or through a drive-thru.