Patrons Can Soon Pick up Books and Other Items Through CCPL’s Curbside Service

Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) will begin providing curbside service on Monday, June 8th at all its library branches so patrons may pick up books and other items they have placed on hold. The library locations have been closed since March 16th due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have missed our patrons and are happy to take this first step back to providing services in person,” CCPL Executive Director Angela Craig said. “Curbside service is a temporary measure that allows us to get books and other items back in the hands of patrons while we work toward opening our buildings. We are committed to opening in a safe and thoughtful manner so we can protect our public and staff from the COVID-19 virus. Meanwhile, we will continue providing the high-quality digital services that have become so important during our closure.”

Patrons can place holds on the CCPL website at www.ccpl.org anytime, or by calling their local branch starting on June 1st during the operating hours listed below. If patrons have questions before June 1st, they can connect with a librarian on CCPL’s website via chat, text, email, or by leaving a phone message at 843-805-6930 (Monday-Friday, 10 am – 7 pm) or connect with CCPL on Facebook.

Curbside service will only be available during the following days and hours:

Starting Monday, June 8th:

• Monday, Tuesday, and Friday: 9 am to 3 pm
• Thursday: 1 pm to 7 pm

CCPL is still waiving all fines that would have been accrued on materials during this time. They will not be taking cash payments at this time, so if patrons wish to pay previous fines, they may only do so online through Paypal. Patrons with questions about this should call their local branch starting on June 1st.

As the inside of the building will not be accessible to the public, in-person programs and room bookings remain suspended. However, virtual programs will continue on the CCPL website, where you can access a calendar of virtual events, and on our Facebook page.

Wi-Fi will continue being accessible outside all CCPL buildings Monday through Friday between 10 am and 7 pm.

Patrons may also continue signing up for temporary e-cards and using those e-cards to access all of digital materials and resources.

CCPL asks its patrons to follow these instructions when utilizing curbside service:

How to Use Curbside Pick-Up Service:

1. Reserve the items you wish to check out by placing a hold online or by phone. All items will be available for checkout except:
   1. Telescopes
   2. Storytime Kits
   3. Electronic magnifiers
   4. New American Kits
   5. Museum Passes
2. You will receive a notification that your items have been processed and are ready to schedule for pick up.
3. Call the branch where you indicated you will be picking up your items BEFORE you travel to the branch. Phone calls will be taken during the operating hours listed above to schedule your curbside pickup.
4. When you arrive at the branch location, please follow the instructions on the signage for parking and remain in your vehicle. Walkers should follow the instructions for walk-up pickup and adhere to social distancing practices.
5. Once you arrive, call the branch. The phone number will be listed on the signage at the location upon your arrival and is available on our website at www.ccpl.org/branches.
6. One of our staff members will approach your vehicle and ask you to show your library card or identification. They will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and will maintain social distance.
7. Wait for us while we work our magic and fetch your items.
8. Your items will be delivered to you in your vehicle in a paper bag.
9. Enjoy your reading, watching, listening and loving of CCPL items!
10. Return your items in the book drops by the due date.

The book returns opened on May 18th and remain open. All items returned are being quarantined for 72 hours before they are processed, checked back in and recirculated. CCPL asks that the following items not be returned in the book drop.  If you wish to return any of these items, please call your local branch beginning June 1st to arrange the return.

• Interlibrary loans (ILL’s)
• Storytime Kits
• Telescopes
• Digital magnifiers
• Museum passes
• Book Club Kits