Do we have to keep Circ Desk manned?
Not as strictly as we were before. We will still have phones set to ring 10 am – 6 pm (Monday – Thursday) 10 am – 5:30 pm (Friday and Saturday) so we will try to keep schedules the same. We should make every attempt to answer the Circ Line, but if we miss the call we can just respond to the voicemail as soon as possible.
What if someone wants to make an appointment outside of curbside hours?
We are sticking to curbside hours to exchange materials unless someone is standing outside wanting a few items…use good judgment. If you can get them what they need, that is fine.
But we aren’t setting up a special process for people to grab items outside of curbside hours that will be widely communicated with other staff like how we used to put items by the bouncer desk and people could just pop in and grab them.
Can I help people who want to make last-minute appointments for curbside, think they have an appointment but don’t, or show up on the wrong day?
Please try to grab items for people that show up during curbside without an appointment or on the wrong day or that think they have an appointment but don’t have an appointment. If they really want the items yet today and we are doing curbside, please try to accommodate them.
What about the lady that wants me to help her pick 10 books for her daughter?
Remember that book bundles are a great option for children and parents. You can help them submit the request over the phone. Typically those are processed in 24 hours during the week.
How can patrons pay fines?
They can pay over the phone via credit card. They can put money in an envelope marked with their name and library card number and place it in the book return. They can mail us a check.
Can people get a library card?
They can apply for a digital card at www.johnstonlibrary.com Digital cards are processed in three days – often sooner.
When will the library building reopen?
We do not have a date set because the situation is fluid. We are continuously reassessing conditions and we are looking forward to welcoming the public back into the building. Please transfer those with detailed questions about the why’s or timeline of our COVID response to Eric’s phone, extension 604.
Curbside during the winter –
- The heavier metal tables will soon be replaced with a picnic table that will be easier for the Parks Department to move when clearing snow.
- It is up to the staff member doing curbside decide to move curbside pickup between the glass doors if it is raining or wet snow is falling. You don’t need permission. Be sure you flip the curbside sign to reflect where you will be placing items.
- We also should offer to bring items to cars if it seems slick. It is ok to ask patrons to pull up in front of the building if you are running items to their car. There is snow melt near the commons doors.
- When the library is closed but you want to place items between the glass doors, please be aware that people might try to enter the building. Consider using exit only on the sliding doors (don’t lock yourself out) or placing the whiteboard sign in the commons in front of the entrance.