Book drops are now open at the Chattanooga Public Library’s five branch locations. As part of its plan to reopen in phases after the COVID-19 virus shutdown, the library is asking that everyone drop in any checked out books, audiobooks and DVDs.
“When we get the green light to reopen, we want to be ready,” says Executive Director Corinne Hill. “And we need our patrons to help make that happen. We have over 32,000 materials checked out that need to be quarantined for three days as we begin the first phase.”
Once the books are out of quarantine, the library’s staff will process them in preparation for the first phase of reopening, which will allow patrons to place holds on physical materials and arrange curbside pickup.
A start date for curbside pickup has not been set, but the library is still offering digital e-books and audiobooks for check out, as well as online programming.
“We’re book lovers, so we know that for some, nothing can replace a physical book,” Hill says. “We want to get books back into our patrons’ hands as soon as possible, but also as safely as possible.”
The library will continue to waive late fees and extend card expirations and due dates until it reopens.
Source: Chattanooga Public Library