Contact:
Colleen Bauman, Community Engagement Manager
Pickerington Public Library
cbauman@pickeringtonlibrary.org
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Beginning April 30, the library will begin accepting returned materials through book drops. To ensure public and staff safety, all returned materials will be quarantined for 72 hours before staff processes and redistributes to the public. The library will accept items including hotspots and launchpads. However, customers are asked to hold onto nature kits and board games at this time.
Beginning May 12, Pickerington Public Library will expand current virtual library services with curbside pickup at both library locations!
To take advantage of this service, customers can reserve books and other items online or by phone using the library’s new mobile app. Once customers receive notification that materials are ready for pickup by email and through their library accounts, they can come to the library parking lot, during library hours and call the number on the sign. Staff will then check out and deliver materials in the customer’s trunk, providing fast, friendly and safe service without ever leaving your car!
“This process is very similar to grocery and food pickup at some local businesses,” said Tony Howard, library director. “This allows us to serve our customers while continuing to focus on the health and safety of our staff and community. We will be closely following protocol set by health officials.”
As Pickerington Public Library continues public services, it is fortunate to be part of a generous community that regularly donates items to the Friends of the Pickerington Public Library book sales. Unfortunately, we do not have a safe process to accept donated items at this time. We ask that community members hold materials they would like to donate a little while longer as we consider possible solutions.
“At our most recent board meeting, some very difficult decisions were made due to the current economic situation,” Howard said. “To adjust for lost revenue, the library cut over $300,000 from the operating budget. These cuts include a 10 percent reduction in hours for all nonexempt staff and three percent reduction in pay for all exempt staff with the expectation that they continue to work their full schedule.”
While continuing services, the library plans to abide by official recommendations and mandates to best serve its community in a safe and efficient manner. At this time, the Library does not have a timeframe for how long adjusted COVID response services including e-branch programming and pickup will continue in their current formats.
As per official’s considerations in slowly lifting shelter in place orders, library leadership has planned safety procedures to put in place when facilities are allowed to safely open back up for public use.
For future updates and library news, visit the library website pickeringtonlibrary.org or social media @PickeringtonLib. Customers may also have library updates sent directly to their email by signing up for the newsletter on the website’s homepage.
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