Library will start curbside pickup and accept return of items borrowed before closing
As Whatcom County moves into Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start program, local libraries are planning to start curbside pickup of books and other materials.
Phase 2 allows more businesses to open and eases social distancing measures enacted in March to fight the new coronavirus pandemic,
“We’ve got a plan in place, but it will take some time to get in the rhythm,” said Christine Perkins, director of the Whatcom County Library System.
Plans to start curbside pickups Monday, June 15, hinge on state approval for Whatcom County to advance to Phase 2, library officials said.
Large public buildings such as libraries and museums remain closed to the general public until Phase 3.
Bellingham and Whatcom County libraries have been closed since March 16, and patrons went on a borrowing spree, checking out materials at a rate seven times greater than the weekend before the closing was announced, Perkins said.
In the interim, patrons could only use the libraries’ various online audio and video streaming services and borrow e-books and audiobooks using the library apps Overdrive and Libby.
But Gov. Jay Inslee issued guidelines this week that allow library patrons in Phase 2 counties to return books and other materials and to get physical copies of books, DVDs and other items to take home.
That means libraries also will opening their return slots, said Rebecca Judd, director of the Bellingham Public Library.
“We’ve extended our dues dates to July 1 and of course there’s no fines” anyway, Judd said.
Here’s how it will work:
▪ Go online to bellinghampubliclibrary.org or wcls.org, search for materials, and place a hold.
▪ Remember to select a library branch for pickup. All 10 Whatcom county branch libraries will have pickups, but only the main Bellingham library at 201 Central St. will offer pickups.
▪ No internet? Call the Bellingham library at 360-778-7323 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays or the Whatcom County system at 360-305-3600 from 1-5 p.m. daily. They’ll help you find something to read or watch.
▪ No library card? Call the library and they’ll get you one — or apply online.
▪ When your items are ready, the library will call to arrange a pickup time.
This story was originally published June 5, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
