Books and Borrowers Welcomed Back — at a Distance
Calvert Library reopens with curbside services
Good news for anyone who’s been holding on to a library book during the pandemic or those in need of new summer reading material. Books can be borrowed — and returned — again in Calvert.
Materials can be checked out from Calvert library branches starting Monday, June 22. Outside book returns resumed last week and are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All returned materials will be quarantined for three days before being put back on the shelves. Items will stay listed as checked out on your account during that time.
Items for pick up will be bagged and ready to use. To pick up your items, walk into the library entrance or ask for trunk delivery. Curbside pick-up will be Monday thru Thursday 10am-1pm & 4-7pm. Friday hours are 1-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm.
The library created a series of how-to videos to help borrowers navigate the system, from checking your library account, placing holds, searching for your next read to making curbside appointments.
Anne Arundel County Public Library locations remain closed but began curbside service last week. AACPL plans to reopen most branches by July 6. For the status of those locations, go to www.aacpl.net.
The CBM Bay Weekly calendar is usually filled with events and classes happening at the four Calvert library branches. Calvert Library shifted to virtual offerings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to provide services in that format.
“We are doing brand-new programming with a focus on topics our community needs,” says Robyn Truslow, public relations coordinator for Calvert Library. “Our focus is on early literacy programs for our youngest customers and education content that is of current particular benefit to our community.”
Some of the programming includes information for small businesses about how to reopen safely, legal information about housing, unemployment and child custody, antiracism resources and discussion, domestic violence and how to shop, eat and clean safely during COVID-19. The complete list of resources can be found at www.calvertlibrary.info.
“We offer community and entertainment opportunities to help our customers feel connected to one another and the world,” Truslow says. “We have book discussions, trivia and online summer performances.”
The libraries are gearing up to be ready when the all-clear is given to welcome back patrons. “We are moving computers to provide for social distancing, storing furniture to make more open space and adding Plexiglas to customer-staff interaction points,” Truslow says.
And if you’re still looking for that book you checked out in winter, don’t worry. Nothing is technically due until August 1.