For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, library customers in Carroll County will be able to reserve and pick up physical copies of books, movies, and other materials beginning June 8.
The Express Pickup Service is a contactless service that will allow Carroll County Public Library customers to request items online, then they will receive a notification when the item is in. To check out the item, customers will fill out a form at library.carr.org/pickup or call their local branch to request Express Pickup.
More details are available at library.carr.org/coronavirus.asp.
The library system has been closed to the public since March, when the pandemic of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, had started to spread in Maryland. In the meantime, CCPL has offered virtual materials like e-books and audiobooks, educational resources and video programs, and activities online, and those services will continue. A calendar of events is available at the library website.
Also starting June 8, librarians will provide Information Service questions and answers to account questions by phone at all branches. Hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Andrea Berstler, CCPL executive director, said in a news release, “CCPL is pleased to provide Express Pickup and Information Services as a way for our community to access the library’s collection. We know that as a community of readers, Carroll County values its library. We are delighted to be taking even these small steps forward to restore library services to our community.”
Late fines will continue to be waived for materials checked out or renewed between Feb. 13 and June 7. Those materials will be due July 31. To return materials, the libraries ask that customers use the outside book drops.
CCPL is not currently able to accept donations of books, magazines, movies or other materials.
Local branches can be reached at 410-386-4460 for Eldersburg; 410-386-4505 for Finksburg; 410-386-4470 or 301-829-5290 for Mount Airy; 410-386-4480 for North Carroll; 410-386-4510 for Taneytown; or 410-386-4490 for Westminster.