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Library Operations Fall Update

Post Published: August 28, 2020

Since June 15, over 175,000 print books and other library materials have been checked out or renewed and close to 130,000 physical holds have been placed. Impressive!

As we look to the future of Library operations, staff at Arlington Public Library will work closely with the County leadership and the Department of Public Health to determine how to best move forward. Locally, COVID-19 cases remain above target thresholds and Arlington County continues to experience community spread.

Plans for the Fall

We believe it is of paramount importance to protect the safety of Library patrons and staff, and that slowing community spread of the COVID-19 virus is a community-wide effort.

We are in this together.

For now, Arlington Public Library will continue to operate the Holds Pickup service at Central Library and book drops at six branch locations in order to prioritize safety and ensure access to print materials for as many residents as possible.

Over the past six months, we have expanded our digital collections and we continue to offer online storytimes, author talks and book clubs.

We believe this service model best matches the current conditions, and best positions us to meet the expected increase in demand for library materials as the academic year begins.

Looking Forward

We share your belief that the Library is a cornerstone of our community and we acknowledge the hardship it causes to many when our physical Library spaces are inaccessible.

We are eager to reconnect with our beloved community and we plan to reevaluate Library operations in October.

What Can Yo Do?

  • Please be patient – It does take longer to process holds during current conditions.
  • You have five days – You will be contacted when your hold is ready and you have five days to pick up materials once notified.
  • Manage your holds – If you’re going out of town or don’t want to receive a book at this time, don’t forget to freeze your holds.

We understand that Arlington readers love their Library as much as we do. Please continue to send us your feedback, which we use along with staff input and public health data, to inform ongoing planning.

Send Us Your Feedback

If you have a question that requires a response, need help accessing your Library account or placing holds, please contact us by phone, online chat or text.

Moving towards a phased reopening will take all of us working together — responding to a pandemic is a marathon, not a sprint. Thank you for your support of Arlington Public Library.

Stay safe and hopeful,
Your Arlington Public Library Team.

August 28, 2020 by Web Editor Filed Under: Library Operations Updates

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. E. Robinson says

    September 2, 2020 at 9:57 AM

    Let’s hope only for the best option. Thank you for your hard work!

    • Barton Lynch says

      September 3, 2020 at 7:37 AM

      Thank you all for your service to your community.

  2. AW says

    September 9, 2020 at 6:36 PM

    I have one book on hold since February. I borrowed a lot of books since then, but this book is not moving. I kind of think someone is keeping it at his/her house and not returning. In fact, when I was in the pick-up line at the central library the other day, I saw a woman who owed $27 on her account because she hadn’t returned a book (or books?) for a long time. She claimed that since she “returned a lot of other books” and the library stopped charging late fees, she thought she didn’t have to pay. She “forgot” to bring the book that day. It made me upset that she didn’t say “sorry” even once and she was quite rude to the nice librarian. I think they should be charged the full cost of the books if they lose them. Most people return books on time because we know other people are waiting, and it’s unfair that some people like her don’t even feel bad about it.

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