Arlington library may be closed, but here’s how you can still check out a book there

Staying indoors and reading go hand-in-hand.

Or, should that be book-in-hand?

The Arlington Public Library is doing its part to keep folks reading by now offering curbside pickup at all of its branches. Items are available at all locations in touchless transactions.

Curbside pickup will be available at all library locations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

“Here at the Arlington Public Library, we always strive to remove barriers to access in our community,” Director of Libraries Norma Zuniga said. “Curbside pickup will provide materials to patrons who are at home, especially for families with children who cannot return to school.”

To pick up items, follow these steps:

▪ Place an item on hold through arlingtonlibrary.org.

▪ When your items are ready, the library branch notify you by email, phone, or text message, depending on your preference.

▪ Drive to the library and park in the designated curbside pickup parking lane.

▪ Call 817-459-6900 to let library staff know you are there to pick up your items. They will ask for your library card number so that your item can be checked out. Provide staff with the make, model and color of your car.

Library staff will place your items on a designated table, then stand at the door and watch while you pick up your items. Staff will disinfect all items and surfaces after pickup.

After being returned, all library items will go through a 72-hour quarantine process. Only items that have been quarantined will be filled for holds.

“Patrons at all seven of our locations began using this service immediately. While keeping a safe distance, library staff have been so happy to see our community members in person again,” Zuniga said. “We’ll keep adapting as the situation changes, always aiming to provide the best service possible to our community. We look forward to fully opening our doors again, but in the meantime, we are grateful to serve our patrons in the safest and most efficient methods possible.”

The Arlington city council on Tuesday adopted Gov. Greg Abbott’s latest order regarding the reopening of businesses starting Friday. Under phase one, libraries can reopen along with museums, restaurants, movie theaters and malls at 25% capacity.

Public Information Officer Allison Denny said a reopening plan for libraries has not been discussed and that curbside pickup will continue in the meantime.

Patrons can pick up 10 items per car per visit. Bulky items that are too large to be returned through book drops are not available for curbside pickup. Items that are not usually available for placing holds are also not eligible for this service, including kits, backpacks, technical equipment such as laptops, board books, reference books, and magazines.

To expand access during this time, patrons can use this service only if their account has under $100 in fines.