covid Archives - Tredyffrin Township Libraries

An Important Update:

During this time, we will be implementing a robust curbside pickup service in order to continue to provide library materials to our patrons.
PAOLI LIBRARY
Call 610.296.7996 or visit tredyffrinlibraries.org to arrange your pickup.

Our curbside hours will be the following:
Monday through Thursday: 10 am – 5 pm
Friday & Saturday: 10 am – 2 pm

TREDYFFRIN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Call 610.688.7092 or visit tredyffrinlibraries.org to arrange your pickup.

Our curbside hours will be the following:
Monday through Thursday: 10 am – 7 pm
Friday & Saturday: 10 am – 2 pm

We are implementing this measure as a precaution, one that we hope will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and help to ensure the safety of our staff and patrons. We appreciate your patience and support as we navigate through unprecedented events.

Thank you for your understanding & cooperation!

A reminder on how curbside works:

Reserve Library Materials

You can place items on hold through our online catalog or via the CCLS App, available on Apple & Android devices.
You can also call the library to place your holds. Please leave a message & we will handle the requests as soon as possible.
Make sure all your items are going to the library of your choice.
You will be unable to schedule your pickup until your holds lists “READY FOR PICKUP.”

Schedule Your Pickup

When your items are ready, you will receive an email that includes a link to select an available pickup time. You can also check your hold status or modify your scheduled pickups at https://bit.ly/schedule_pickup_ttl
The site will ask you for a password. Use the pin connected with your library card.
If you’re unsure of your pin, please email tpl@ccls.org or call one of the libraries during modified hours & staff can reset & guide you through creating your new pin.

PLEASE NOTE: If you receive multiple emails, you don’t need to schedule separate pick ups. We will include all your available materials that are available at the time of your scheduled pick up.

Pick Up Your Holds

At the designated time, you will be able to find your items waiting for you by the front entrance of the library you selected for your pickup. Materials will be packaged in brown paper bags and labeled with your first name & last initial.

Practice Social Distancing

If there is another patron collecting their pickup, or a staff member restocking the pickup area, please wait until they have moved away before you approach the building.

Please read & observe directions on posted signs.

Enjoy your Library Materials

The items you pick up will already be checked out to your account, so all you need to do is take them home & enjoy your library haul!

You may use the book drops to return items too. Please note, all returned items are being quarantined & will not be checked in for 3 days, remaining on your account.

Don’t worry, we backdate all check-ins to the day you returned the materials!

Reopening the libraries on July 13^th

Schedule time to use a PC at Tredyffrin Public Library

Schedule time to use a PC at Paoli Library • Schedule time to browse at Paoli Library

We continue to prioritize people’s health and safety. In that spirit, we are pleased to reopen to the public with limited hours.

Tredyffrin Public Library will be open to the public Monday – Thursday, 1pm – 5pm and Friday and Saturday 10am – 2pm. Curbside Pickup will be available Monday – Thursday, 5pm – 7pm.

Paoli Library will be open to the public Monday & Wednesday, 1 pm – 6 pm; Tuesday & Thursday, 1pm – 5pm; Friday, 10am – 2pm, but by appointment only. Curbside Pickup will be available Monday & Wednesday, 1pm – 7pm; Tuesday & Thursday, 1pm – 5pm; and Friday & Saturday, 10am – 2pm. The Paoli Library space is much smaller and there are limited options for necessary physical distancing.

Tredyffrin Public Library and Paoli Library will also allow access to library PCs when we are open to the public using SignUp.

There are a number of social distancing and safety protocols as well as operational changes that we will be asking you to follow while in the libraries.

Please wear a mask when entering and using the libraries. We have additional masks to offer to community members who may forget to bring their own.
Please limit inside visits to 45 minutes (or less). Spaces will not have chairs or tables for use at this time and we encourage you to use the libraries for browsing collections and checking out materials, picking up holds, and using library PCs only.
Computer use will be by appointment only, and limited to one daily 45-minute session (schedule computer usage with SignUp).
All meeting and study spaces will remain closed. No public gatherings of any kind will be permitted in those spaces.

We will also be making every effort to regularly and frequently clean and disinfect surfaces and frequently used areas. Frequent high-touch surface areas will be cleaned throughout the day by library staff and cleaning and disinfecting will be performed in the evenings by our cleaning company.

We’ve received a few questions about library services, donations, and returning materials. Some common questions and responses are below.

Can I return library materials?

Yes, please return all borrowed items to the external book drops at Tredyffrin Public Library and Paoli Library.

Why are library materials still showing as checked out on my account even though I returned them?

We are following protocols set by the CDC and the American Library Association for quarantining library materials. Any returned materials will be quarantined for 72 hours before being checked in. This quarantine procedure is being used throughout the Chester County Library System. Because Coronavirus can live on surfaces for longer than 72 hours, the library recommends taking additional precautions to limit the spread of Covid-19 which may include quarantining items brought in to your home for longer than 72 hours, hand washing after handling any material, and using disinfectant to clean surfaces.

Will I be charged overdue fines?

No overdue fines will be assessed for materials checked in after being held in quarantine. Staff have been instructed to waive any fines that may accrue on an item returned within the proper timeframe. If you experience and problems with your returns please contact the Tredyffrin Public Library Circulation Desk at 610-688-7092 or Paoli Library at 610-296-7996.

Can I make in-person meeting room or study room reservation?

We are not accepting in-person meeting or study room reservations and rooms are not yet available for use when visiting the libraries.

Can I drop off donations?

No, please do not bring materials donations (books, DVDs, CDs) to Tredyffrin Public Library or Paoli Library. The libraries are not accepting donations. We do not yet know when we will begin accepting donations again.

We will be updating our status and service offerings as circumstances change and will be sending out updates in our newsletter, on our website, and on social media. Thank you for being patient with us as we navigate some rather complex issues relating to public safety and providing library services to the community.

Sign Up!

We’re using SignUp.com to organize our computer use and browsing at Paoli.

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click a button to see our SignUp.
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot you like. For safety, you may not reserve more than one session a day.
3) Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.

Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please call 610.688.7092 x 212 (Tredyffrin) or 610.296.7996 (Paoli) and a staff member can sign you up manually.