NOTE: Curbside pick-up will be ending on July 8th as our buildings will be open to the public starting this day with limited services, hours, and occupancy. See www.handleyregional.org/welcomeback for details.
We are excited to announce the implementation of contactless curbside pick-up of up physical materials by appointment at all library locations. Patrons will be able to place holds for items either online or by phone to the Bowman Library, 540.869.9000, ext., 4; Clarke County Library, 540.955.5144; or Handley Library 540.662.9041, ext. 10. Books, digital Launch Pads, Wifi hotspot devices, nature backpacks, music and audiobook CDs, DVDs, and other physical materials can be reserved with up to 10 items requested on each library card. The outside book returns remain open for the community to bring back library materials that were borrowed previously and due back. The buildings remain closed to the public.
How to Pick-Up Materials: Patrons are asked to stay in their cars until library staff step away from the material cart to practice safe social distancing. Appointments must be scheduled in advance.
- Patrons can reserve materials online through the catalog or by calling their local branch from the numbers and extensions listed above.
- You will receive an email, text, or phone call from library staff when your materials are ready.
- Call your local branch to coordinate a pick-up appointment.
- Pick-up library materials at the designated curb signs: Handley Library is at the back of the building next to the drop boxes, Bowman Library is at the front of the building, and Clarke County patrons will need to physically enter the Berryville-Clarke County Government Center following the posted guidelines and pick up their materials from a table outside the library doors.
Wait times for holds may be longer than normal as returned items are being quarantined for safety for 72-hours. The library buildings remain physically closed to the public due to COVID-19 as library staff and Board work through the many stages and precautions it will take to open the building while adhering to local, State, and Federal guidelines for staff and patron safety.
“We are excited to take this important next step as we continue to provide library services to the community,” says John Huddy, Director of Handley Regional Library System. “Restoring the availability of physical items is crucial as we strive to provide access to information and entertainment in all conditions – the way a library system should operate. We’ve successfully served the community with our Digital Library through eBooks, audiobooks, movies, and other digital products during this time, but now with restored access to our vast physical collection, patrons of all situations and preferences can enjoy their library safely at home.”
There is no official date yet when the physical buildings will open, adds Matt Swain, Public Relations Manager for the library system.
“Library staff and Board are working behind the scenes to create an environment where staff and patrons will be safe and healthy. We will follow recommended guidelines so the community can experience the library, even in some limited fashion until we can resume normal operational procedures. This will take several stages to complete. We are grateful for the support of the community and kind feedback and remarks we’ve received online and over the phone while we’ve been closed. Our librarians and staff miss everyone and can’t wait to connect in person.”
During the building closures, library staff have helped patrons by email and phone, opened new library card accounts and renewed cards for digital library access, sanitized and quarantined returned materials, and adjusted summer reading programs for kids, teens, and adults to feature virtual programs and online access for patrons to win prizes and other incentives.