Outdoor pickup of library books at all five library locations is a success! Now, it is time to resume tool lending, with Covid-19 procedures in place.
Here is the process for tool lending during Covid-19:
Beginning Monday, July 27th, call the Tool Lending Library at 510.981.6101 to reserve tools for Outside Pickup. Access to tools will only be available if you have reserved the item by phone. Tool Lending Library Specialists will provide assistance and place tools on hold for you by phone only; you cannot place holds via the online catalog or in-person at the Library at this time.
If your tool is available when you call, you may come immediately to the Tool Lending Library to pick it up. If the item is not immediately available, you will receive a hold notice when it is ready for you. Most patrons choose to receive hold notices via email. Let the Tool Lending Specialist know how you prefer to be notified.
Holds must be picked up within 3 days.
All tools may now be checked out for up to 7 days!
Returns are now being accepted at the Tool Lending Library during open hours. Please do not return tools via our book return slots.
Strict Covid-19 protocols are in place. Returned materials will be quarantined and not checked into your account for a minimum of 72 hours after you return your items. Handles on tools will be sanitized by Library staff. Face coverings are required for service, as is strict adherence to 6 feet of social distancing between patrons and staff.
Virtual Program: Magic with Mike Della Pena
Tuesday, July 28
10:30 am
Magician Mike Della Penna captivates with his fun, laughter-filled, participatory magic shows. Watch a clip of Mike.
Beginning in August: Virtual Storytime every Wednesday
Every Wednesday at 11am
Begins August 5
Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays, and more during virtual family storytime on Facebook Live.
Summer Reading ends August 15
Summer Reading is still happening. You have until August 15 to sign up and finish!
Come to Outside Pickup at the branch that you indicated when you registered to pick-up your sign-up book. Due to Covid-19 procedures, give us one week to select and prepare the book for you before coming to pick it up. Don't forget to come pick it up! If you don't remember which branch your book is at, contact us.
Everyone has a story (or one or two or ten...) about why they love libraries and the impact libraries have had on their life.
We want to hear YOUR library story!
We are beginning to collect these reflections to eventually share on our social media and elsewhere. Don't worry, we will share them anonymously or we can use your first name only if you'd like; let us know what you prefer.
Please email areeder@cityofberkeley.info with your library story and any images you'd like to include.
Reminder: Outdoor Pickup
All Berkeley Public Library locations now offer Outdoor Pickup services!
No appointment is necessary for pickup. Outdoor pickup hours are as follows:
Outside Pickup is held in the doorway entrances of our Libraries with strict safety protocols in place. At Tarea Hall Pittman South, use the door adjacent to the Tool Lending Library. At North, use the back door on Josephine Street. For faster service, please have your library card ready.
Remember, face coverings are required for service as is 6 feet of social distancing between patrons.
Please use the return slots only to return your library books; do not hand them to staff at Outdoor Pick-up.
Return slots are open 24/7. All materials are quarantined for at least 72 hours before being checked in. As soon as staff check in your items following the quarantine period, your account will be updated.
Dear Berkeley Public Library, I had my first [outdoor] pickup experience today at the North Branch. It was utterly seamless. Thank you so very much for figuring out how to do this during these troubled chaotic times!! You are the best.
Thank you to the Berkeley Public Library Foundation for their generous support for the supplies needed to launch Outdoor Pickup services.
#BlackLivesMatter
A primary mission of Berkeley Public Library is to champion racial and social equity.
The Library will continue to move forward on collection development, programming initiatives and policy reforms to support, reflect and serve our diverse Berkeley community.
The Libraries are for Everyone artwork is from hafuboti.com.