San Diego County libraries remain physically closed to support social distancing efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, as businesses begin to reopen, the library system is now rolling out curbside services at select locations to provide access to library materials placed on hold through the online catalog prior to the March closure.
The Alpine branch library began offering this service from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning May 26, along with Imperial Beach, Ramona, Encinitas, Vista and Borrego Springs branches.
As of June 1 branches in Poway, El Cajon, Julian, Solana Beach, San Marcos and Bonita joined the list of locations with available curbside service.
“I’m so pleased that Alpine was chosen as one of the first branches to provide door-side pick-up service. Our staff is so excited to see our patrons again and get people new books to read, in addition to the continued online services we offer,” said Alpine library branch manager Jenne Bergstrom.
Door-side service will allow the pick-up of requested items by appointment only with items waiting for people at the side entrance of the Alpine library located next to the book return drop.
According to a press release, library staff will begin service by contacting those individuals who had reserved items at a branch when the libraries closed in March.
The library is not accepting returns or charging late fees at this time.
“It’s important that we start out with only limited services so we can make sure to keep our staff and customers safe,” Bergstrom said.
All online library resources are available at www.sdcl.org as well as updates to library services and branch information.
