Books to-go will again be the MO at the Longmont Public Library.
The library on Wednesday announced that the building will be closed to the public starting Thursday as Boulder County moves to red-level status on the state’s COVID dial dashboard. Patrons can still check out materials via the curbside delivery model, which the library has been offering for nearly six months.
The move back to only curbside delivery is the latest in a changing rotation of how the library has been able to offer services since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. It first closed in March, turning to online platforms for programs and curbside delivery for materials. It reopened in July to an eager public, but scaled back to lobby-only access on Nov. 6, when Boulder County moved to orange status on the state’s dial.
Since its reopening, library patrons “have primarily spent their time picking up holds, getting library cards, browsing for new materials, using public computers, asking staff for assistance in finding materials, printing from their phones and placing holds,” Library Director Nancy Kerr said via email on Wednesday.
The library last week saw 1,248 curbside pickups, 748 interactions with greeters and 63 visitors to the computer lab, according to usage numbers provided by the library.
“Libraries have been classified as critical services by the state authorities, so we will be able to continue to offer curbside pickup of materials and photocopies, as well as limited computer reservations by appointment. Staff are also still available during all open hours to assist patrons over the phone,” Kerr said in the email.
Via curbside delivery, library cardholders can place books, DVDs, audiobooks, book bags and kits and more on hold through the online catalog. When patrons arrive, they call 303-651-8476 and staff tells them on which table their items will be placed on the east side of the library.
Computer access is available by reservation for 15-minute appointments. One computer reservation is allowed per user per week, and a library card is required. Computer users also must be 14 or older. More information and reservation instructions are available here.
The library’s remote mobile printing service also remains available. Patrons can send print jobs to the library from their digital device or computer and pick them up through the curbside delivery service. Complete instructions are available here.
Online programming also will continue.
Library staff will be working in the building and can be reached via phone and email.
Those without a library account can obtain a limited use digital library card here.
