Baltimore County Public Library Launches Curbside Pickup

Nikki Gaskins
·2 min read

TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Public Library is currently offering curbside pickup for residents interested in checking out a book.

According to library officials, its branches are still closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but 17 of its branch locations kicked off curbside pickup on Monday. Customers who have reserved books—and have been notified that their holds are available for pickup—can head toward their branch of choice.

Curbside pickup hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. and cardholders can either drive or utilize the library's walk-up service. For Arbutus and Perry Hall customers who choose to drive, our drive through window will be open for your convenience.

Accessing Library Materials

To access materials while branches are closed:

  • Place items on hold via bcpl.info or call your favorite branch and leave a voicemail with your request, name and library card number.

  • Customers are notified by text, email or phone when items are available for pickup. This notification is determined by your preferences in your account. You then have seven days to pick up. After this time, your materials are put back in the collection with no fees incurred.

Drive-Up Services

For the safety and protection of library staff and patrons, BCPL strongly encourages customers to wear masks while in their vehicle.

  1. Park in a designated numbered spot in the branch parking lot.

  2. Call the branch number provided on the posted sign.

  3. Provide your parking spot number as well as the make, model and color of your car.

  4. Have your library card information ready for verification.

  5. Release your trunk or hatch, or open your back window.

  6. Items and a check out receipt will be delivered directly to your car by staff wearing masks and gloves.

  7. Close your trunk or window.

Walk-Up Services

To protect the health and safety of our staff, BCPL cannot provide any building access to members of the public for any reason including using bathroom facilities.

  1. Look for the designated walk-up area and remember to follow social distancing guidelines.

  2. Call the branch number provided on the posted sign.

  3. Wear a mask and have and library card information ready for verification.

  4. Items and a checkout receipt will be delivered and placed on the table by staff wearing masks and gloves.

Digital Materials

Digital materials including e-books and audiobooks, e-magazines, streaming movies and more are available through the BCPL website 24/7. If you are unsure how to access these materials or have questions, you can chat with a librarian online, via text or phone.

This article originally appeared on the Towson Patch