NEWS

Libraries begin pickup service

Libraries begin pickup service

(May 22) As the City of San Diego continues its phased reopening by expanding neighborhood services, the San Diego Public Library will offer contact-free pickup service at 11 library locations beginning Tuesday, May 26.

The pickup service will restore access to 2.9 million physical materials in the San Diego Public Library’s collection to library patrons for the first time since libraries were closed in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also prioritizes the health and safety of patrons and employees while allowing San Diegans to pick up materials at designated locations.

“We’re flattening the curve, and as San Diegans continue to do the right thing we will expand and restore neighborhood services in a safe and responsible way,” said Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer. “We know San Diegans love and miss their libraries, so we’re excited to offer contact-free pickup to provide access to millions of books and other materials while implementing safeguards to protect employees and patrons.”

Starting May 26, pickup service will be available Monday through Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the following locations: Carmel Valley, College-Rolando, La Jolla/Riford, Logan Heights, Mira Mesa, Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox, Mission Valley, Point Loma/Hervey, Rancho Bernardo, San Ysidro and Valencia Park/Malcolm X.

Patrons with existing holds will be notified by email when their materials are available. The San Diego Public Library will begin accepting new holds for pickup on June 1, 2020.

“The pickup service is an important first step in the Library’s return to full service,” said Library Director Misty Jones. “While our libraries have been physically closed, patrons have been using our online resources in record numbers. However, we’ve heard from many people who prefer physical books and this pickup service allows them to access some of the resources they’ve been missing.”

Patrons will need to present a valid library card or library card number to pick up their materials. Library facilities will not be open to the public and will not accept returns at this time. Due dates on items currently checked out have been extended to June 12, 2020.

Patrons can visit the Library’s Pickup Service (https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/pickup-service) page for more information, including how to place a hold and what patrons can expect when they arrive to collect their materials.

The San Diego Public Library moved many of its resources online for San Diegans to enjoy and share from home, including:

For more information, go to the Library’s frequented asked questions section at (https://www.sandiego.gov/blog/library-faqs).

To date, more than 100 librarians and staff have answered more than 1,500 questions online and recorded more than 75 videos, including 40 storytime and 15 craft videos. San Diegans have access to 98,000 eBooks/eAudiobooks and more than 50 databases.

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