Ocean City Library To Offer Curbside Pickup Service

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The Ocean City Free Public Library will begin offering curbside pickup service starting Monday. The service allows patrons to borrow library materials without entering the building.

Library buildings have been closed since mid-March because of the coronavirus. But state officials will allow them to operate curbside service beginning Monday.

Pickup times at OCFPL will occur from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m at the 17th Street entrance. Monday through Saturday. Along with library materials, they will also offer computer-generated printouts, hotspots and children's craft and activity kits.

Guidelines

• The library will limit pickups to 10 items per patron each day.
• You may pick up items from multiple cards.
• Your account must be in good standing. The library isn't charging overdue fines because of the pandemic, but there can't be any billed items on your account.
• Patrons can return materials to the book drop-off beginning Monday.
• The OCFPL isn't accepting material donations at this time.

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Procedures

1. Place items on hold. Go to www.oceancitylibrary.org to search the library catalog or call the reference desk 609-399-2434 ext. 5231. When placing items on hold, choose the "curbside" location for pickup.
2. Wait for notification. Then call the library to schedule pickup. You will receive an email or phone notification when your hold is available. Wait times are currently longer than usual. Staff will schedule a time for pickup. Times are staggered to encourage social distancing. Staff will provide items in plastic bags to limit unnecessary contact and protect patron privacy. Bags will be labeled with the last five digits of your library card number.
3. After calling, pick up your items at the curbside location. Patrons will follow signs and pull into a parking space in front of the entrance. Those who arrive in vehicles will have the option to have bags placed in their trunk, or they can pick them up from the cart. If you pick up items from the cart, you must wear a mask.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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