Your book drought is over. Local libraries are opening for takeout. Here’s how it works.
Triangle readers desperate for new reading material can once again start checking out books from local libraries.
Public library systems in Wake and Durham counties are opening this week, but for now, it’s a takeout only system. That means that at least for the time being, there will be no browsing, no computer time, no reading hours or other in-house activities for kids.
The libraries are asking patrons to reserve books online and then pick them up at an appointed time.
Here’s what we know about the library reopening plans.
Wake County library ‘Books on the Go’
The Wake County library system’s “Books on the Go” program starts Monday, June 15, and is available at the following branches: Cameron Village, Cary Regional, East Regional, Middle Creek, North Regional, Northeast Regional, Southeast Regional and West Regional.
If you reserved a book prior to the library’s closure in March, you will be contacted with instructions on how to pick up those books.
You can also use the library’s online catalog to reserve new books (you can also place reserves on Lucky Day titles). You will receive an email from the library with instructions on making an appointment between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
When you arrive for your appointment, the books will be on a table in the lobby or at the front of the library in a Books on the Go bag with your name on it. They will already be checked out to you.
You can return books at the same libraries listed above. There are no late fees. The library will wait 72 hours before checking in returned books, to ensure the safety of staff and patrons.
More details at: wakegov.com/libraries.
Durham County library book takeout
Durham County Library system enters its Phase 2 of reopening on Tuesday, June 16, with a Library Take-Out program at North Regional, East Regional, South Regional, Southwest Regional, Bragtown Branch and Stanford L. Warren Branch Library.
Log in to your account at DurhamCountyLibrary.org or call 919-560-0103 to place a hold on books and audiovisual material for pick up at the library. You can call between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday starting Tuesday, June 16.
Once your items are ready, you’ll be asked to set a pick-up appointment through the online reservation system, or by calling 919-560-0103. During your 15-minute reservation period, your books will be in the library lobby and you’ll show your library card or ID. If you miss your appointment, you’ll have 24 hours to reschedule.
You can get five items per library card at each pick up.
You will be required to wear a cloth face covering in the lobby. Only one customer will be allowed in the lobby at a time, and while waiting outside the library, wait at least six feet apart.
Hours for now: 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. (Bragtown Branch hours are 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday).
Get more details at DurhamCountyLibrary.org/TakeOut.
Chapel Hill Library offers curbside pickup
Chapel Hill Public Library started a curbside pickup service a few weeks back, letting patrons pick up books that they already had on hold when the library closed in March.
That service expands as of Monday, June 15, to include new checkouts.
To select materials, search the library catalog and place items on hold. When the items are ready, you will get an email from the Library explaining how to pick them up.
Access the library catalog at chapelhillpubliclibrary.org or call 919-968-2777.
This list will be updated with more library reopening information.
This story was originally published June 15, 2020 at 1:54 PM with the headline "Your book drought is over. Local libraries are opening for takeout. Here’s how it works.."
