Due to the rise in COVID cases across the Eastern Shore, both branches of the Talbot County Free Library will temporarily close to inside visits and return to the Books-to-Go Service beginning Monday, November 30, 2020.
According to Executive Director Dana Newman the Library is changing its service model temporarily to keep patrons and staff safe during the current COVID-19 surge. “We are working closely with the Talbot County Health Department and following guidance on safe practices,” said Newman.
Book drops will stay open at both locations and returned items will continue to be quarantined for seven days and will remain on the patron’s library card until checked-in. No fines will be charged while items are in quarantine. The library is not taking any book donations until further notice.
Through Books-to-Go, patrons will be able to reserve materials through the online catalog and will be able to reserve a time to pick them up. Chromebooks or WiFi hotspots are not available for checkout at this time. Patrons will be notified via email or phone when their items are ready to be picked up. Once notified that holds are available for pickup, patrons should call or email the library to make arrangements to pick up their holds. “Although, for the safety of the community, we have to close our buildings to visits again, we are pleased to still be able to offer books and DVDs for our patrons' enjoyment,” said Newman. Specific details on how the program will work are available on the library's website. Staff will answer the phone at both branches during limited hours Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9-noon and 2-5 p.m. and on Monday and Thursday from 10-noon and 3-7 p.m. Wi-Fi is available around the clock outside both the Easton and St. Michaels branches.
“We plan to reopen the buildings to inside visits to the public as soon as it is deemed safe for both our patrons and staff,” said Newman. “In the meantime, there continues to be a host of free eResources and virtual programs available for everyone to enjoy on the library’s website. If you don’t already have a library card, you can easily get a temporary card online.”
For more information, email askus@tcfl.org or call 410-822-1626.