Media Contacts:
Katie Woods, Communications Manager
San Mateo County Libraries
(650) 556-5209
SAN MATEO — Curbside pickup will be available at San Mateo County Libraries beginning Saturday, June 6.
Following a recent health order that allows for increased curbside services and dedicated planning from staff, San Mateo County Libraries is excited to launch curbside service at all 12 of our community libraries. The safe, contactless service will be available three days per week: Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m., and Thursdays and Saturday from 10 a.m. -2 p.m.
“When the COVID-19 crisis required us to temporarily close our doors, our incredible library team moved quickly to find innovative ways to support our communities. Over the past two months, they’ve launched virtual programs and boosted our digital collections. Now, we are excited to announce we are opening for curbside service— putting physical library materials back in the hands of our customers,” said Charles Stone, Library JPA Governing Board Chair. “Now more than ever, it is vital that our libraries offer solutions and support to our community. We look forward to that day in the future when we can gather together inside the walls of our libraries to read books, learn new skills, get exposed to new music, and smile at one another.”
Patrons are invited to resume placing their holds online at smcl.org. They will receive a notification email when their item is available that contains a link to schedule their pickup using our online calendar. Once a pickup time is booked, a confirmation email will be sent with location-specific pickup information. Patrons with mobility issues or special considerations, are encouraged to call our customer care team at 1-833-YES-SMCL (1-833-937-7625) for assistance.
Items will be checked out in advance and will be placed in a labeled bag on a curbside table in front of the library. Library staff and customers will follow social distancing and public health recommendations during pickup. All returned items will be held in quarantine for 96 hours.
“We have a wealth of library materials that our communities depend on and we are excited to make them available again through Curbside Pickup,” said Director of Library Services Anne-Marie Despain. “We’re committed to preserving library services and discovery in every way, whether it means curbside service or our new innovative online programs.”
Learn more about our new Curbside Pickup service at smcl.org/curbside. Additional news and updates about library operations and services are available on smcl.org.
