LIBRARY News:
The Los Alamos County Library System announces plans for the phased reopening of library services.
A primary consideration for all phases is the safety of staff and the public. Public libraries are considered medium exposure risk institutions, where staff have frequent or close contact with people.
The Library will implement Phase One of reopening with curbside pickup of library materials that are on hold beginning June 15.
Library patrons can help staff prepare to launch the curbside service by returning library items in the drive-through drops at both Mesa Public Library and White Rock Branch Library.
Items currently checked out are due June 30 but may be returned early.
Items are requested by placing a hold online at losalamoslibrary.org or by phone at 505.662.8250. Pickup hours will be 2-6 p.m. Monday through Friday at both libraries. Patrons will be notified by phone or email when requested items are ready to be picked up. Items will be held for pickup for 7 days.
To pick up items, park in the library parking lot (the west parking lot at Mesa Public Library or the White Rock Branch Library parking lot) and call the phone number on the sign there to indicate you are ready to pick up. Staff will guide you through the rest of the process. Visit Curbside Pick-up FAQ for more information about what to expect at the library when picking up items.
Patrons should consider if they have books on hold that are no longer needed and remove holds for unwanted items. Curbside service will be limited to ten items per card per visit, so patrons may also wish to prioritize their holds by suspending those that are not currently needed. Patrons can manage their online accounts by logging in to ‘My Account’ at losalamoslibrary.org and entering the library card barcode and PIN, by calling 505.662.8250, or emailing libweb@lacnm.us for assistance from staff. Visit Tips and Tricks for more information on using the My Account features from the library catalog.
Library staff will be appropriately attired and follow recommended guidelines for handling library materials. Staff will override checkout and overdue limits. Items will be quarantined for 72 hours before being checked in, so items patrons have returned may remain checked out to their accounts for up to 5 days to allow quarantine time and staff processing.
Expect longer than usual wait times for materials to be ready for pickup due to the extended quarantine time for returned materials. Interlibrary loan is not available at this time. The library, along with other County services, is preparing deliberately and carefully for the reopening of facilities to ensure both the safety of the community and the staff. For future updates on re-opening county facilities, visit County website.
