DeKalb Libraries Are Now Accepting Returns, Late Fees Waived

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — As of Monday, library books can now be returned. The DeKalb County Public Library system stopped accepting books and other library items when the coronavirus pandemic closed it down.

Now residents can use the outdoor drop boxes at their local library.

All DeKalb libraries are “suspending overdue fines on all materials through the end of the year,” the county said in a statement. Even if they were overdue before the pandemic, the fines will be waived.

All returned materials will be quarantined for 72 hours before being checked in and removed from patron accounts.

Contact-free pickup service will be available beginning Monday, July 27, at the following branches: Decatur, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Hairston Crossing, Redan-Trotti, Salem-Panola, Stonecrest, Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams, Tucker-Reid H. Cofer and Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown. Pickup should be available at all branches by the following week.

Patrons can place holds through the catalog or call their local branch for assistance in identifying needed materials. They will be notified when their items are ready to be picked up. Pickup timing will depend on item availability. Pickup hours will be available Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We are excited to be able to begin serving patrons again, but we ask for your patience as we work through the kinks of these new processes,” said Library Director Alison Weissinger. “Branches will be operating with small groups of staff to ensure adequate social distancing is maintained. Safety of staff and patrons is our top priority.”