Libraries Kick Off Curbside Service In Loudoun, Fairfax

NORTHERN VIRGINIA — The library systems in Loudoun and Fairfax County launched curbside pickup Monday, a contactless service that allows patrons to pick up items they have placed on hold outside at their local branch.

Library branches across Northern Virginia have been closed since March due to the coronavirus crisis. But libraries have continued to provide eBook services, online chat services and other virtual programs.

For Loudoun County's curbside library service, patrons will receive notifications by email, text, or phone once their items are available. All patrons are encouraged to call their branch to arrange a pickup time.

“We’re very excited to be getting books back into the hands of our customers,” LCPL Director Chang Liu said Monday in a statement. “I do urge everyone to call their local branch after receiving their notifications. Ensuring the safety of our customers and staff is my top priority. I ask everyone to please observe social distancing protocols.”

Curbside pickup will operate at all LCPL branches, except the law library, Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Patrons are welcome to return their previously checked out materials during curbside pickup hours. All returned materials will be quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours, so customers should expect at least a four-day delay before their accounts show their materials have been returned.

LCPL does not impose late fees, so customers will not incur any charges or have their accounts blocked during this period. All pickups and returns will take place outside of the library since branches remain closed due to the coronavirus crisis.

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While the pickup process will be slightly different at each branch due to the varying physical layouts, the basic steps are:

• Sign up for a library card and/or reserve items at catalog.library.loudoun.gov. Patrons may also reserve materials by calling their local branch.
• Wait for notification by phone, email or text.
• Call your branch to arrange a pickup time.

The Fairfax County Public Library’s curbside pickup of holds and grab bags also began Monday. Curbside pickup hours at all branches in Fairfax County are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. To pick up holds:

• Patrons should park in the designated area of the library’s lot and call the branch phone number posted on the sign. Branch phone numbers can also be found online on individual branch webpages.
• Patrons should provide library card number to staff on the phone and remain in their car until their holds have been deposited on the pickup table and library staff have returned to the building.