Curbside Pickup Now Available at Bach & Delaware
“We’re excited to resume in-person services with curbside pickup at two of our branches. The staff has been working to increase our services to the public in this unprecedented time,” said APL Executive Director Scott C. Jarzombek. The new service started on July 6.
Library patrons may request books, audiobooks, DVDs, and CDs by phone, email, or the online catalog. Once the items arrive at the selected pickup location, staff will inform the patrons and schedule a pickup time.
Patrons can select either the Bach Branch (455 New Scotland Ave., 518-482-2154 x221) or the Delaware Branch (331 Delaware Ave., 518-463-0254 x221) to pick up their items. Once patrons arrive at the branch for their scheduled appointment, staff will either place items in the vehicle trunk or back seat, or on a table outside the building.
The curbside pickup system is designed to be contactless and accessible to people arriving by vehicle and those who walk or bike to the branches. All patrons are required to wear face masks. Staff wear gloves, masks, and face shields when delivering items to the patrons.
“Curbside pickup is the first in a series of in-person services Albany Public Library will be rolling out as we adjust to the new way of doing library business in this time of heightened health and safety requirements due to COVID-19,” Jarzombek said.
“Our curbside pickup protocols give us a safe way to provide library materials to those people in our community who prefer to read physical books, watch movies and tv shows on DVD, and listen to music on CD,” he said.
Once they are done with the library items, patrons are asked to return them to the branch book drops. Staff cannot accept returns at pickup appointments. Library materials are quarantined for 72 hours before they are checked in and placed back into the collection.
APL is a fine-free library, so there are never fines for late items.
It is important to note that APL buildings remain closed to the public at this time.
Questions about curbside pickup at APL can be directed to the Bach Branch at (518) 482-2154 x221 or the Delaware Branch at (518) 463-0254 x221.
Stephanie Simon
Stephanie Simon is manager of APL's Communication and Creative Services Department, which provides content and information for the library's website, social media, publications, videos, podcasts, and other outlets. Stephanie also manages APL's public relations and marketing efforts.