Brand New Curbside Pickup Comes to SF Public Libraries
The San Francisco Public Library is launching their SFPL To Go service which will enable San Francisco Public Library cardholders to pick up and return their materials at select library locations throughout the City.
SFPL To Go is a service that safely delivers requested library materials to patrons at select library locations. It’s San Francisco Public Library’s version of “curbside pickup;” they are providing a contact-free front door type service where patrons can queue up outside their buildings to pick up their requested books at the library entrance.
The new program will roll out in phases with the first locations opening at the Main Library on Monday, August 10th and at the Excelsior Branch on Tuesday, August 11th. On July 9th, the San Francisco Public Library Commission endorsed a plan for SFPL To Go, the Library’s version of curbside pick-up. Over the coming weeks, the Library will open more SFPL To Go locations at Mission Bay, Eureka Valley, Merced, and Marina branches. Additional neighborhood libraries will offer the service as staffing capacity allows. Almost half of the Library’s staff are currently deployed as Disaster Service Workers. Library patrons can request a book, DVD, audiobook, LP or any circulating library item for front door pick-up by going to sfpl.org and placing a hold through their library account; by emailing info@sfpl.org or by calling 415-557-4400. Once the item is ready, patrons will receive a notice via email, phone or mail for retrieval. Book drops will be open only at SFPL To Go locations during operating hours.
Are the items safe to handle? Is it safe for patrons? Is it safe for staff?
Guidance on safe materials handling has been provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the City and County of San Francisco Department of Public Health. Your holds will be in a new paper bag, ready for you to “grab and go.” Bags and contents sit overnight without being touched again until you arrive to retrieve your holds. Once you arrive, you will not be allowed inside the building. A staff person will greet you at the door behind a table at least 6 feet distant, with a barrier. When staff places your items on a table, we will handle the bag by the bottom only. Then we will move away and allow you to approach and take your bag by the handles or top. When you return your items, staff will isolate them for 96 hours. Items will remain checked out to you until it’s safe for staff to handle them.
PS: Materials checked out pre-closure are not due until September 30th. As SFPL is Fabulously Fine Free, there are no late fees.
