Good news from St. Louis Public Library:
To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to continue to serve our community, St. Louis Public Library will be taking several precautions as we begin to make our services available again. Below is an outline of our initial plan as well as some FAQs.
On June 1 at 10 a.m., all SLPL book drops will open. Customers can begin to return items through the book drops at any location – and remember we’re now fine-free. Please keep larger items such as hotspots, telescopes and binoculars for inside return on or after June 10. Holds will be reinstated and customers can start placing items on hold through our catalog.
Beginning June 10, five of our locations (Buderopens a new window, Carpenteropens a new window, Centralopens a new window, Julia Davisopens a new window and Schlafly) opens a new window will be open limited hours with small collections you can browse. You can place requests online and pick them up, inside or curbside, at these five locations as well as at Kingshighway opens a new window, which will be open for curbside pickup only. You can also use our mobile printing option to send documents to our printers. We will print and hold them for you to pick up. Chromebook laptops will now be available for check out.
The hours of operation at these locations will be 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Customers can place holds through our online catalog at slpl.orgopens a new window, by using our mobile app or by calling 314-241-2288.
FAQs
What safety measures will be in place?
SLPL will comply with all requirements of the City of St. Louis, Order 8. Both customers and staff must wear masks or a cloth face covering inside our Libraries at all times. This applies to all individuals 9 years of age and older. Unfortunately, we will have to refuse admittance to anyone not wearing a mask. Masks will not be provided for customers. Customers and staff will be expected to practice social distancing. Staff members will be screened prior to each shift to ensure that staff members are not working if they are sick. Access in the buildings will be controlled and limited. Advanced disinfecting and sanitizing methods will be used throughout the buildings. Hand washing stations will be provided for customers outside of the buildings and hand sanitizer will be available inside each location. Reusable bags will not be allowed inside the buildings.
How will returned materials be handled?
All returned materials will be quarantined for 72 hours. This means you may see books on your account that you’ve already returned but we have not yet checked in. Don’t worry; we’ll check them in as soon as the quarantine period is over, and you won’t be charged any fines.
What services will be open?
During this time, only five of our locations (Central, Buder, Carpenter, Julia Davis, and Schlafly) will open with limited access. Each location will have separate entrances and exits and only a limited number of people will be allowed in at a time. Limited areas of our buildings will be open. Customers will be able to pick up holds and print jobs, select from a limited display of material and check out. Customers will be limited to 15 minutes inside the building. Our Kingshighway location will be open for curbside pickup only.
What will not be available in the buildings?
Customers will not be able to browse shelves, use seating areas, computers or public restrooms, and all meeting rooms will be closed.
How does Curbside Pick Up work?
First, place items on hold through our catalog. Select one of the six participating Curbside Pickup Service locations as your desired pickup Library. Once you are notified via email that your hold is ready. Call 314-539-0364 to schedule a pickup time. Items must be picked up the same day service is requested. When you arrive to pick up your holds, pull into the space reserved for Curbside Pickup. Text the phone number on the Curbside Pickup sign 314-383-3021 to let them know you have arrived and pop your trunk so staff can place the items in the trunk. A vehicle is not required to use this service.
Can I place holds over the phone?
Beginning June 10, customers can call 314-241-2288 to request items be placed on hold through their accounts.
Can I make a payment on my account?
In-person payments for lost or damaged items will not be available at this time. Customers can make payments through our website or mobile app.