All of the Seattle Public Library locations remained closed. But some locations are now accepting returns and some are offering limited curbside pickup for books placed on hold before the libraries closed.
I got an email last week letting me know that a couple of books that I had placed on hold were available to be picked up. The email instructed me to schedule a time to pick up my books and directed me to download an app for my phone. Honestly, I didn’t really want to download another app, especially if the only purpose was to schedule a time to pick up my books – I’m not sure why I couldn’t just go on to the website and set something up. But I went ahead and downloaded the app and signed up for an account.
The app is called myLIBRO. There’s a dropdown menu where you can choose your library and then you enter your library card number and password. I had to find my actual library card because I hadn’t used it in so long, so that was fun! The app then automatically logs you in to your library account and it popped up that I had books available to pick up. I got to choose from a list of days and time available; the appointment times are in 15-minute increments. There was nothing available for the day when I signed up so I chose a day on the weekend. I picked a time and then I put it on my calendar so that I wouldn’t forget to run to the library that day.
According to the Seattle Public Library, curbside appointments are only available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from noon to 6pm. I did learn later that you don’t have to sign up for an appointment to pick up your books; you can wait in the walk-up line to pick up your holds but your wait time may be longer.
I arrived at the library at my scheduled appointment time and there were signs and a table set out in front of the library entrance. I use the Seattle Central Library, so this was the entrance on 4th Ave. There was no one in line so I walked right up and a library employee came out of the building. I told her I had an appointment to pick up some books on hold and she asked for my name and went back inside.
I wasn’t sure if I would have to give her my library card or how they handled the actual checking out of books but apparently, the books are checked out for you on the day you schedule to pick them up. The employee came back out with my books in this adorable paper bag and that was it. It was super easy with minimal contact and now I have more books to read. Because I always need more books!
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