Alexandria Libraries To Offer Curbside Pickup Before Reopening

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria Library locations will open in phases in alignment with the state's easement of public health restrictions. An opening date hasn't been set for library locations, but curbside pickup will tentatively begin on June 15.

The library board approved the reopening plan on May 28. Alexandria libraries have been closed since mid-March while offering electronic resources and virtual programs.

The first phase can begin as Alexandria and Northern Virginia have started Virginia's first reopening phase. On June 1, staff will begin returning to buildings to prepare holds for curbside pickup and physical distancing measures. Preparations will include reorganizing spaces for physical distancing and providing safeguarded areas for staff to interact with customers.

Curbside pickups starting on June 15 will only apply to the backlog of holds. In the second phase, new holds and curbside pickup of these items will start on an undetermined date. Procedures for curbside pickup have not yet been announced.

Library locations wouldn't open to the public until phase three, or when public health guidance allows gatherings of less than 50 people. Libraries would operate at 25 percent capacity including staff with a reduced schedule. Services such as interlibrary loans, computer usage, proctoring, and notary by appointment will return.

Phase four will start when gatherings of less than 100 people are allowed. Libraries will be limited to 50 percent of capacity, let volunteers return, and accept book donations. Passport services will return by appointment if authorized by the U.S. State Department.

Phase five is the final step of reopening when groups of less than 250 people are allowed. It is described as the "new normal" as libraries return to full capacity. Programming and book sales at library branches will return and meeting rooms will reopen.

Due dates were previously extended until the libraries reopen. Extended due dates will continue for two weeks beyond the opening of physical locations (phase three). Book drops are currently open for returns.

For more information, visit alexlibraryva.org/library-closure.