Des Moines Public Library begins curbside pickup

Has your pile of books to be read disappeared during the last few months of social distancing? Do you miss being able pick up a stack from the library? Well, you’re in luck. Des Moines Public Library cardholders can once again start borrowing new books.

The library has contactless curbside pickup service of books, DVDs, and other materials at all locations as we begin the process of reintroducing services to our community following the closure of all Des Moines city buildings in March.

Patrons can reserve books right now. Here’s how it works:

Place materials on hold one of two ways (must have an active library card):

• Using the online catalog at dmpl.org
• Calling the DMPL at (515) 283-4152
   

Wait for a notification that your items are ready to be picked up at your preferred library location. You’ll be notified by your preferred method of communication: email, phone, or text. Do not arrive until you receive your notification, otherwise your materials will not be ready.

Pick up your items between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the East Side, Forest Avenue, Franklin Avenue, North Side, and South Side Libraries; and between 9 am and 5 pm at Central Library. At Central, drive up to the pickup window on Grand Avenue. At the other locations, head to the parking lot and park your car. Then follow these instructions:

• Call the phone number on the sign posted outside.
• Provide your name, library card number, and vehicle color, make, and model.
• Remain in your car, with the windows rolled up, and open your trunk.
• Library staff, in masks and gloves, will bring materials to your car in a plastic bag and place them in your trunk. If you do not have a cell phone, or do not have a car and will walk, ride a bike, or take the bus, call before your arrival to discuss a pickup arrangement.

Anyone with checked-out materials can now return those to any of our buildings. All returned materials will be quarantined for three days, then cleaned with disinfectant wipes before returning to the shelves or being checked out to the next patron.

All library buildings remain closed to the public until further notice. Library administration is working with city, county, and state officials, as well as the DMPL Board of Trustees, to determine how and when to safely offer more services moving forward.

In addition to offering curbside pickup, the library is also temporarily waiving $1 DVD checkout fees, and pausing all late fees and fines until our buildings reopen.

Go to www.dmpl.org/curbside for more details about this new service, and go to www.dmpl.org/closure for answers to more library closure questions.

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