I think books should be made available for pick up, either holds, or random bags for different ages. There is no need to take the books back at this time. Or, if you do take the books back, just leave them in quarantine and then they'll be ready to be redistributed a month from now.

Maybe this is logistically too much for the library system, but it doesn't seem that complicated, and it would certainly be worthwhile for the general public.

Given the current circumstances and many other essential services taking priority, many libraries are not able to secure the cleaning/disinfecting supplies to properly ensure that books are quarantined and cleaned before being redistributed to patrons. It's a safety issue for both library staff and patrons.

Anonymous wrote:Just got an email from FCPL with updates - and there was no word on holds pick-up. In fact they reiterated the parts about keeping your library books at home, no overdue fines, no new ILLs, and hold pick-up dates being extended...

So disappointed.

They are worse than the teachers! Full pay for literally no work. Why don’t they have to live in the real world with everyone else?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm just reading through this thread for the first time and, holy crap did it take a turn fast! All OP wanted was to ask why libraries can't open up for curbside pick up. Instead, she got people jumping on her for not having a Kindle, comments about libraries smelling bad, and false claims about libraries harboring homeless drifters and wayward children. WTH?!?

I'm really disappointed about the libraries too, OP. We used to go there every week or two. Our library system was supposed to do curbside service during the pandemic but cancelled it. It seems doable: a large building with plenty of open space where employees could easily keep 10 feet apart, wear protective masks, gloves, etc. Even allowing families to check out a few books a week would be beneficial to the entire community. If restaurants can do contact-free delivery, I'm sure there's a way to figure out contact-free pick-up.

The difference between a library doing curbside pickup and a restaurant is that a library needs to accept returned items. Thousands of them. As a librarian, I can tell you that many people do not have the best hygiene with library books in general. Libraries will have to provide cleaning supplies to deal with outer covers and even before it gets to that point, the books will have to be quarantined for a period.

Please listen to the librarian (bold above), folks.

This is the same point made earlier in the thread in a link someone provided, to a column by another librarian, about why curbside pickup of library books is not safe for library staff or for the public, and not at all equivalent to getting curbside takeout from a restaurant. Here's the link again because I suspect most of the "libraries can just open for pickup" posters haven't read it yet:

https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=Why-Yo...bside-During-COVID-19-Backtalk

I get that it's frustrating for parents who want to be able to get books for their kids during this time, but this is a case of basic health and safety. I also do understand the aversion to screens. But many posters have offered ideas, from searching for free books iin front-yard "little libraries" (of which I see a lot more than a year ago) to reading books online for free (and you don't even need a Kindle to do it, just do some searches ). Not ideal for everyone but this is not forever, just for a while. Wishing and lobbying here for library curbside service will not make it happen, so tomorrow, set out to find some little libraries and check out used book sites and free book sites online.

Anonymous wrote:I'm just reading through this thread for the first time and, holy crap did it take a turn fast! All OP wanted was to ask why libraries can't open up for curbside pick up. Instead, she got people jumping on her for not having a Kindle, comments about libraries smelling bad, and false claims about libraries harboring homeless drifters and wayward children. WTH?!?

I'm really disappointed about the libraries too, OP. We used to go there every week or two. Our library system was supposed to do curbside service during the pandemic but cancelled it. It seems doable: a large building with plenty of open space where employees could easily keep 10 feet apart, wear protective masks, gloves, etc. Even allowing families to check out a few books a week would be beneficial to the entire community. If restaurants can do contact-free delivery, I'm sure there's a way to figure out contact-free pick-up.

The difference between a library doing curbside pickup and a restaurant is that a library needs to accept returned items. Thousands of them. As a librarian, I can tell you that many people do not have the best hygiene with library books in general. Libraries will have to provide cleaning supplies to deal with outer covers and even before it gets to that point, the books will have to be quarantined for a period.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Public libraries are gross.

+100

We don’t go during NORMAL times

I’m so glad I didn’t grow up with a parent who thinks libraries are GROSS!

I wonder what they do for books? Is it all Kindle? Or do they spend $1000s? My guess is they don’t read much at all.

We built a private kids library in our house. Yes we spent $1000s. I recognize this isn’t an option for everyone but it doesn’t change the fact that most public libraries are revolting. Homeless shelter, day care, social club for the solitary elderly. No thanks.

You are gross. Go back to your bubble please.

Anonymous wrote:Just got an email from FCPL with updates - and there was no word on holds pick-up. In fact they reiterated the parts about keeping your library books at home, no overdue fines, no new ILLs, and hold pick-up dates being extended...

So disappointed.

OP here. I saw the email and I was also disappointed.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Public libraries are gross.

+100

We don’t go during NORMAL times

I’m so glad I didn’t grow up with a parent who thinks libraries are GROSS!

I wonder what they do for books? Is it all Kindle? Or do they spend $1000s? My guess is they don’t read much at all.

We built a private kids library in our house. Yes we spent $1000s. I recognize this isn’t an option for everyone but it doesn’t change the fact that most public libraries are revolting. Homeless shelter, day care, social club for the solitary elderly. No thanks.

Anonymous wrote:I'm just reading through this thread for the first time and, holy crap did it take a turn fast! All OP wanted was to ask why libraries can't open up for curbside pick up. Instead, she got people jumping on her for not having a Kindle, comments about libraries smelling bad, and false claims about libraries harboring homeless drifters and wayward children. WTH?!?

I'm really disappointed about the libraries too, OP. We used to go there every week or two. Our library system was supposed to do curbside service during the pandemic but cancelled it. It seems doable: a large building with plenty of open space where employees could easily keep 10 feet apart, wear protective masks, gloves, etc. Even allowing families to check out a few books a week would be beneficial to the entire community. If restaurants can do contact-free delivery, I'm sure there's a way to figure out contact-free pick-up.

OP here. Glad to see someone else is reasonable! Lol.

I'm just reading through this thread for the first time and, holy crap did it take a turn fast! All OP wanted was to ask why libraries can't open up for curbside pick up. Instead, she got people jumping on her for not having a Kindle, comments about libraries smelling bad, and false claims about libraries harboring homeless drifters and wayward children. WTH?!?

I'm really disappointed about the libraries too, OP. We used to go there every week or two. Our library system was supposed to do curbside service during the pandemic but cancelled it. It seems doable: a large building with plenty of open space where employees could easily keep 10 feet apart, wear protective masks, gloves, etc. Even allowing families to check out a few books a week would be beneficial to the entire community. If restaurants can do contact-free delivery, I'm sure there's a way to figure out contact-free pick-up.

Just got an email from FCPL with updates - and there was no word on holds pick-up. In fact they reiterated the parts about keeping your library books at home, no overdue fines, no new ILLs, and hold pick-up dates being extended...

So disappointed.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Public libraries are gross.

+100

We don’t go during NORMAL times

I’m so glad I didn’t grow up with a parent who thinks libraries are GROSS!

me too but I wouldn't have wanted a parent that rigidly rejected available technology simply for the sake of doing so, either

Where did you get that idea? OP stated her kid got headaches from reading on screens.

There are other people in the thread / world besides OP?

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, without schools being open, I can see people dropping their kids off for the day.

Which is why they are going to open for curbside pick up only.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Public libraries are gross.

Are you joking? It’s the best way to get so many different books!

Libraries in Fairfax County, like most everywhere else in the country have become ersatz homeless drop in day shelters and daycares.

I’m sure you love to think so. In reality, I go to Patrick Henry a couple times a week, and don’t see any homeless people or young unsupervised kids there.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Public libraries are gross.

Are you joking? It’s the best way to get so many different books!

Libraries in Fairfax County, like most everywhere else in the country have become ersatz homeless drop in day shelters and daycares.