SF Library Launches New “Curbside Pickup” Service in Castro/Marina/Mission Bay

Starting August 10, 2020 the San Francisco Public Library is launching their SFPL To Go service which will enable cardholders to pick up and return their materials at select library locations throughout the City.

SFPL To Go is Front Door Pick-up 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.

Which Library Branches Are Participating?

The new program will roll out in phases with the first locations opening at the Main Library on Monday, August 10^th and at the Excelsior Branch on Tuesday, August 11^th.

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. – See updates

Opening Dates for SF Library “To Go”

• Main Library  – 100 Larkin St. – Mon–Sat, 10 am–5:30 pm; Sun, 12–5:30 pm – August 10
• Excelsior Branch – 4400 Mission St.  –  Tue–Sat, 10 am–5:30 pm – August 11
• Eureka Valley Branch – 1 Jose Sarria Ct – Tue–Sat, 10 am–5:30 pm – September 1
• Marina Branch – 1890 Chestnut Street – Tue–Sat, 10 am–5:30 pm – September 1
• Merced Branch – 155 Winston Drive – Tue–Sat, 10 am–5:30 pm – September 1
• Mission Bay Branch – 960 4th Street – Tue–Sat, 10 am–5:30 pm – September 1

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How it Works

STEP 1 – Place A Hold
Request a book, DVD, audiobook, LP or any circulating item located at participating SFPL To Go libraries using any of these three methods:

• Go to sfpl.org and place a hold through your library account;
• Email info@sfpl.org; or
• Call 415-557-4400 and speak to library staff.

STEP 2 – Wait to Hear From the Library
Check your inbox, mailbox or phone for a notification letting you know your items have been checked out and are ready for you to come get them at an SFPL To Go location.

Step 3 – Pick Up Your Items
Please arrive with your face covering on and stand six feet apart in the line while you wait to be helped. When you approach the service table, you will be asked for your name and last four digits of your library card. You will wait a few minutes while staff locates your items. Staff will place a bag containing your items on the table for you to pick up. For safety reasons, staff will not be able to answer general reference or other library questions at the door. If you need to speak to someone, please see contact information above.

How do I return library items? When do bookdrops open?

Bookdrops are open again, at open libraries!

Bookdrops will be open during public service hours at the Main Library starting Monday, August 10 and the Excelsior Branch library starting Tuesday, August 11. Any fees incurred since March 13 will be waived when your materials are returned.

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 30^th. As SFPL is Fabulously Fine Free, there are no late fees.