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While the library buildings remain closed, we are committed to providing safe access to physical library materials through a curbside pickup service at many of our libraries.

• Customers who have reserved materials and have been notified that their holds are available for pickup can make an appointment. Materials will be held for seven (7) days from the time the hold notification is received.
• Staff will not handle book returns. Please use the library book drop to return your materials.
• Returned materials will be quarantined for 96 hours before being placed back in circulation and removed from your account. There are no fees being incurred. Please give three to seven days for your account to clear.
• Masks must be worn by all visitors picking up materials (whether in a vehicle or on foot).
• The Library is not accepting any donations for the foreseeable future.
• All buildings, including restrooms, remain closed to the public while we are offering curbside service.
• Mobile printing is now available at select branches for curbside service. Learn more.

Curbside pickup hours are Tuesday 1-8 pm, Wednesday-Friday 1-6 pm, and Saturday 1-5 pm.

Hyattsville will only offer walk-up service as there is no free parking available. South Bowie and Laurel Branches are drive-thru only.

Curbside service will continue during inclement weather unless conditions are deemed dangerous for staff and customers (e.g. thunderstorms, tornado warnings, or ice storms). If conditions require a temporary suspension of operations, curbside service will be temporarily halted until deemed safe by the supervisor on duty or person in charge.   

If you have a virtual card (starting with "PACREG") you will not be able to check out materials via curbside. If you want to use curbside you must have your virtual card converted. Please call 301-699-3500 and ask for Public Services or contact us here.

PGCMLS Phased Reopening Plan

Branches Offering Curbside Service  (Book Drops Open)

• Place holds using catalog.pgcmls.info, the PGCMLS app, or by calling Ask a Librarian at (240) 455-5451. Please specify at which branch you would like to pick up your materials. 
• Holds can be picked up by appointment only. After placing a hold, you will receive a notification (via email, text message, or phone call) that your hold has been placed. Another notification will arrive when the materials have been delivered to your library of choice, prompting you to book a curbside appointment.
  • To change your notification preferences, please log in to your PGCMLS library account and click on My Account -> My Record -> Contact Information -> Preferences to revise your settings. We recommend receiving either email or text notifications versus phone calls, if possible.
• All buildings, including restrooms, will remain closed to the public.
• There is a check out limit of 50 items per library card, per visit. Multiple cards can be used; please indicate on the form when you book your appointment. - This has been changed from 25 items per visit.
• Holds will expire after seven business days. If you cannot make your appointment, please make sure to call the call center (below) and make a second appointment within that seven day window. 
• We recommend using the catalog to find materials at your preferred branch whenever possible. This will speed up the process of getting your materials.
• If you have a virtual card (starting with "PACREG") you will not be able to check out materials via curbside. If you want to use curbside you must have your virtual card converted. Please call 301-699-3500 and ask for Public Services or contact us here.

Please note: Appointments can only be made once holds are ready for pickup. Please reach out to our call center at (240) 455-5451 for assistance with placing holds. Hours are Tuesday 1-8, Wednesday-Friday 1-6 pm, and Saturday 1-5 pm.

Once you have received confirmation that your holds are ready, you will be provided with a link to book your curbside appointment. You will have seven (7) days to pick up your materials once you have been notified. 

• Once you begin booking your curbside appointment, please be aware that hold pick-up procedures are slightly different at each location. Details will appear below the calendar once a location is selected.
• Choose a date and time.
• To complete the reservation, follow the prompts to enter your name, email address, telephone number, library card number, and car information (if applicable).
• You will receive both a screen confirmation of your reservation as well as an email confirmation.

Please call PGCMLS Ask a Librarian at (240) 455-5451 - Tuesday 1-8, Wednesday-Friday 1-6 pm, and Saturday 1-5 pm. 

For the safety and protection of you and library staff, masks must be worn by customers and passengers picking up materials (whether in a vehicle or on foot).

• Please arrive at your scheduled pickup time and pull into a spot marked for curbside pickup. Please be aware that Laurel and South Bowie are drive thru only.
• If you have materials to return, please drop them off them directly to the outdoor book drops.
• Staff may not accept returns by hand. Please call if accommodations are desired. You can reach PGCMLS Ask a Librarian (240) 455-5451 - Tuesday 1-8, Wednesday-Friday 1-6 pm, and Saturday 1-5 pm.
• Please have your library card information or ID ready for verification.  
• Release your trunk or hatch if possible, or open your back door or window please. 
• Library staff will greet you at the time of your appointment. Items and a check out receipt will be delivered directly to your car by staff wearing masks and gloves.   
• Please close your trunk or window after staff step away. 
• Thank you!

If you are arriving on foot or by bicycle, we will place the materials on a nearby table.

If you are only dropping off materials at any of our branches, please park in any unmarked parking space that is not reserved for curbside pickup. Please follow physical distancing protocols when returning materials to the book drops.