The reading goes on with curbside pickup service at these North Texas libraries

If folks can’t come to the books, the books are coming to them — sort of.

While most libraries are shut down as part of the response to the coronavirus pandemic, a couple in Weatherford and Lake Worth are offering curbside service for those wanting to check out books.

At the Weatherford Public Library, the service is being offered from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. At the Mary Lou Reddick Public Library in Lake Worth, they are offering curbside pickup from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

At both libraries, patrons can visit online catalogs and reserve items. Then, they come to the library and a worker brings them to the car.

“We started (March 19) and it is operating smoothly. Our employees and citizens have adapted remarkably well to the change,” Weatherford Library Director Chris Accardo said. “It’s the best option we, and libraries across the country, have right now to continue providing access to library collections while considering the safety of the staff and the public.

“Our residents who rely on the library for their educational and recreational reading materials have expressed strong appreciation for the service.”

When items are returned after having been checked out, they are disinfected before being checked back in.

“It’s encouraging for us to see how many people really appreciate having books to read right now,” Lake Worth Library Director Lara Strother said. “Our patrons tell us they are thankful that we’re offering this service.

“We also want to reassure the public that all items coming back to the library are set aside for three days before being disinfected and checked back in.”

Many libraries are offering patrons opportunities to read and participate virtually in such events as story time.

“In addition to curbside checkout, we are also still offering 24/7 WiFi access from our parking lot, phone or email information and research assistance, and virtual story times,” Accardo said. “We always offer eBooks, eAudio, eMagazines, and eComics through OverDrive and RBDdigital.

Strother said her library, while not currently offering any virtual programming, is offering ebooks, audiobooks and more online for checkout. Also, the public is welcome to access WiFi from the parking lot with no password, she said.

“We have dozens of databases for home learning, digital magazines and downloadable ebooks and audiobooks for all ages,” she said. “Always free and available 24/7.”