Killingworth Library is excited to announce the next phase in restoring our library services. Curbside service and in-house browsing by appointment will start an hour earlier on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and we are opening our newly re-organized Children’s Room for parents to browse with their child(ren) starting October 8. Children must be old enough to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer.
Phase III Browsing Hours (by appointment; 30 minutes):
Wednesday: 10 am – 4 pm
Thursday: 11 am – 6 pm
Friday: 11 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 1 pm
PC use may also be scheduled during the above days and times, please call the library at 860-663-2000 to schedule.
Curbside Service (scheduled):
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11 am – 6 pm
Wednesday: 10 am – 4 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 1 pm
How will I be able to get items via curbside?
- Place hold requests through your Killingworth Library account or
- Phone: 860-663-2000 Available Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4:00 pm or
- mail@killingworthlibrary.org
In addition to item title and author (if applicable) please include a name and phone number so we may call you to confirm that your request ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What if my child is too young to wear a mask?
We will serve you curbside. Our library catalog can be browsed online, and staff is only a phone call away if you need assistance. We are always happy to make suggestions as well.
What will I be able to check out?
- All library materials are available, with the exception of daily newspapers, which are suspended for the time being.
- Inter-library loan is currently available, and while some libraries are not currently lending there is an excellent chance that a requested book title will be supplied.
- In order to ensure maximum availability and fairness, patrons will be able to check out no more than 5 “new” items per visit.
How will I know that my request is ready?
Staff will phone you when your request is ready for pick-up and will schedule a time for pickup.
How do I return items?
Please return items via our book drop. Staff will not accept returned items in person. Returned items will be quarantined for 7 days before being checked in. Fines will not be charged to accounts during the pandemic.
What if I am homebound due to health or mobility issues (not related to COVID-19)?
If you cannot make the trip to the library because of health or mobility limitations, please call us and we will arrange for a volunteer to deliver the items to you.
What if I have no internet access and depend on the library’s PCs?
The library has a small number of Chromebooks on loan which may be reserved for checkout, OR you can reserve a 1 hour time slot at one of the library’s PCs by calling the library at 860-663-2000.
The Curbside Pickup Process – pickup table will be outside the library’s main doors
- Patron requests item(s) through library website or by calling or emailing the library.
- Staff verifies availability, pulls items, checks them out, and schedules appointment. Patrons without cell phones will be asked to provide the make/model/color of car.
- Checked out items are placed in plastic bag with patron’s name and scheduled pickup time; placed in staging area.
- Patron arrives and either calls staff or honks horn (if no cell); remains in car until item(s) is placed on table.
- Staff member places item on table just outside library’s main doors, returns inside.
- Patron exits car and retrieves item. Items to be returned are placed by the patron in the library drop box.
For your safety and ours
- Please wait in your car until no one is near the table before retrieving your items. Please wear a mask when retrieving your materials, and refrain from touching anything other than your items.
- Please do not drive to the library unannounced; the building is open to a very limited number of staff and patrons with scheduled appointments. We cannot provide “on the spot” service. We will be making every effort to fulfill your requests as soon as possible.
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please wait to return library items to the book drop until every member of your household has been symptom-free for a minimum of 2 weeks. Remember, no fines are accruing on materials at this time.
- Although we take many safety precautions when handling materials, we cannot guarantee that items are completely virus-free. Please use this service at your own risk.
The children’s room is closed to all activities, however parents may schedule a time to browse for books for their children.
Wishing you all good health,
Laurie
Laurie West Prichard
Library Director, Killingworth Library
860-663-2000
lprichard@killingworthlibrary.org
