Library preparing for pickups beginning Monday

Beginning Monday, June 8, members of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library will be able to pick up library books.

The curbside program is being run similar to book holds, with staff leaving the books outside on a mobile cart.

“People can drive up and grab their books, and it’s completely contactless,” says chief librarian and CEO Cathy Simpson.

Holds can be placed online, or by phone, she says.

Books can also be dropped off, and will be quarantined for 72 hours before being placed back on the shelves.

Members requesting books will be notified of a time to pick them up, and when they arrive at that time, will pull into the drive-through at the front entrance. Books will be labelled and waiting, and there is no limit on the number of books that can be picked up.

Holds can be picked up Monday through Friday, and there will be some evening hours Thursday for those working during the day, says Simpson.

Monday, the first day for pickups, is already fully booked, says Simpson. Pickups are 10 minutes apart, with about 25 arranged for each day, although more can be added if there is sufficient demand.

“Staff are not all back full-time at this point,” she says. 

At this point, Debbie Krause and Sarah Bowers, both familiar faces at the library, have been called back to look after the pickup program.

There are also plans to deliver books to those who are self-isolating and can’t get out to pick them up, adds Simpson.

To place a book on hold by phone, call 905-468-2023 and leave a voicemail. Staff will get back to you, and can also help with selecting items.

The library is also offering curbside pickup of printing (through the Print From Home program, at notlpublic
library.org/copyprintscan.