Waterbury Public Library opens for curbside pickup May 14

May 6, 2020  |  Almy Landauer

Editor’s Note: The Waterbury Public Library on Monday, May 4, announced that it will begin curbside pickup service starting May 14. Library Director Almy Landauer put together detailed instructions to cover the process for how this will work. If patrons still have questions after reading this, please visit the library’s website, waterburypubliclibrary.com, or call 244-7036 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, for assistance.

Now that Governor Scott has approved curbside pickup for Vermont libraries, Waterbury Public Library will be providing patrons access to physical materials through a curbside pickup service.

Curbside Service begins on Thursday, May 14. Requests for items will be accepted beginning May 7. Hours for curbside pickup: Tuesday 3-6; Thursday 2-6; Saturday 9-12

Patrons picking up library materials may also return their library materials in the vestibule beginning on May 14. (The vestibule is the small area between the glass doors near the Book Dropbox.) All other patrons may use the Book Dropbox to return items on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only. On other days the Dropbox will be locked. If the Dropbox is full, please do not stuff your items in or leave them on top, as this causes damage to and potential loss of library materials. Instead, please try another day. We appreciate your care.

Follow these two steps to pick up materials at Waterbury Public Library’s curbside service, located in the vestibule of the library. 

Step one: Request your items. 

• Search our catalog for available items at www.waterburypubliclibrary.com and email your selections to info@waterburypubliclibrary.com or call 244-7036. Make sure the items you select are “available” at our library, not at one of the other consortium libraries. When you give us your request, you must include the TITLE, AUTHOR, and ITEM TYPE (e.g. book, DVD, audiobook, large print book etc.), and your full name (email addresses often do not have people’s full names). 

• We ask that you please DO NOT PLACE HOLDS IN THE CATALOG OR ON YOUR ACCOUNT at this time.  Because we are part of a consortium catalog, the majority of our libraries must be open and the Courier service for Inter-library Loans re-started before self-holds placed in the catalog/patron accounts can be fulfilled. 

• Checkouts will be limited to: four DVDs, two new/high demand books, 15 juvenile books, six young adult books, six adult books. 

• We will notify you by phone when your holds are ready. Wait times are longer than usual because we are short staffed due to layoffs and reductions requested by the Town to help ease anticipated revenue decreases. Thank you for your patience.

• Staff will put your items in a bag with your first and last initials, the last 3 digits of your library account number and the date we called you. 

Step two: Pick up your items. 

• Bagged holds will be on a cart or the bench in the vestibule for contactless pickup. 

• To support physical distancing, please only one person at a time in the vestibule. 

• Wearing face coverings/masks is mandatory during the time you do your pickup.

• Please do not touch any other bags or returned items.

• Grab your bag and enjoy! 

Remember, Waterbury Public Library’s building remains closed to the public. Please do not knock on the door or ask to enter the building. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How will I know my holds area ready for pickup?

You will receive a phone call from library staff at the phone number on your library account. Wait times for holds are longer than usual due to staff layoffs and reductions requested by the Town to help ease anticipated revenue decreases. Thank you for your patience.

How do I return materials?

Return your items in the outdoor book drop next to the rear door of the library.

Do I need a library card?

Yes, patrons must have a Waterbury Public Library card to use curbside pickup. If you do not have a library card, call the library to request a temporary library card.  After the library building reopens to the public, you will need to come in with identification to make it a regular library card.

What if I have mobility issues and cannot leave my vehicle?

We can place bagged items on the hood or in the trunk of your vehicle. Please call us before you arrive to request this accommodation.

What materials are available for pickup?

All physical materials currently on the shelf are available for pickup, including books, DVDs, and audio CDs. Our non-traditional items are not available for curbside pickup. Interlibrary loans (books for other libraries) are not available at this time.

Can you provide reading suggestions?

Yes!  Call library staff at 244-7036 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

What if I have fines on my account for lost or damaged items?

Library staff can override fines during the pandemic response.  If you would like to pay your fines, you may put a check in the mail to Waterbury Public Library, 28 N. Main St. Suite 2, Waterbury, VT 05676

May I place a hold via telephone?

Yes, please call the library at 244-7036 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Pickup times are Tuesday and Thursday 3-6 and Saturday 9-1. You will receive a phone call when your items are ready for pickup.

What are you doing to protect the safety of patrons and library staff?

The contactless curbside pickup model we are using provides maximum social distancing for the safety of our patrons and our staff. 

All physical materials are quarantined for seven days before being checked back out. (This is a bit longer than the CDC recommendations.) Items will not be checked in until after the quarantine period. 

Staff wash their hands before and after handling materials.

Patrons and staff should respect the need for physical distancing and not approach one another.  This may feel uncomfortable, but is necessary to provide a safe, contactless pickup service. If you notice someone in the vestibule, please remain in your vehicle until the previous patron has departed. 

Bags are a temporary measure to protect patron privacy, protect physical materials, and limit unnecessary contact. Bags help separate materials to avoid the need for patrons to sort through items on the pickup cart.