The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County closed all of its 41 locations on March 13 in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. The eBranch has been open online since then and the library has been offering plenty of additional digital programming as well, but starting this week, they are expanding some physical services.
Starting today, May 26, certain libraries will be opening their drive-thrus so people can pick up existing holds. Customers will be contacted to schedule a pick-up time. The library says, "If time allows and there are not many other customers waiting, we may be able to fulfill general, on-demand requests like 'books for 4-year olds' or 'comedy DVDs.'" However, they are not accepting returns at this time and due dates have still been extended on all items so you don't get a late fee.
In June, the library says they hope customers will be able to place and pick-up new holds.
These libraries are opening their drive-thrus today:
- Covedale
- Groesbeck
- Harrison
- Reading
- Downtown Main Library
Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.
Curbside pick-up is also starting at certain locations this week.
On May 26, the Symmes branch will begin offering curbside 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.
On May 28, the Blue Ash and Loveland branches will begin offering curbside 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.
And starting June 1, Anderson, Clifton, Green Township, North Central and Walnut Hills will begin offering curbside noon-8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
More branches are scheduled to being offering curbside throughout June.
And just like with drive-thrus, these libraries are not accepting returns. They are only scheduling pick-up times for customers with existing material holds.
For more info, visit cincinnatilibrary.org.