Coronavirus

New updates as of December 18, 2020

On Monday, December 21, Carroll County Public Library will return to offering limited services under Stage 1 of our reopening plan. These limited services include having staff available by phone (410-386-4488) and email to answer your information and account questions, providing a full schedule of online programs and offering Express Pickup service at all of our locations.

Express Pickup is a quick and easy way for you to select a 2-hour period to come to your local branch library, pick up your bagged items in the lobby of the building and take those items home.

We hope that these Frequently Asked Questions provide many answers. Please contact your local branch for additional help.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What hours is Information Service available to ask account or other information questions?

   Monday – Friday
   10:00 am – 6:00 pm
   
   Saturday
   10:00 am – 3:00 pm

2. What hours can I schedule my Express Pickup?

   Monday – Friday (all locations)
   10:00 am – 12:00 pm
   1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
   4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
   
   Saturday (not available for Library HQ, New Windsor)
   10:00 am – 12:00 pm
   1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

3. How do I arrange for Express Pickup of the materials that I've placed on hold and that have arrived at my library location?

   Schedule a time for Express Pickup using the form at https://library.carr.org/pickup or call your local branch. Requests must be submitted at least one hour prior to the pickup time.

4. What can I expect when I arrive at the library to pick up my materials?

   Approach the building and follow the posted procedures for picking up your holds. Maintain social distancing if waiting in the queue and enter the lobby one person at a time. Your items will be in a bag labeled with your name, in alphabetical order on the table. Items are already checked out to you; promptly exit the lobby.
   
   WEAR  face masks at all times (Age 2 and up, even if you have been vaccinated)
   WAIT  six feet apart
   ENTER  only 1 person in the lobby at a time
   PICKUP  your order quickly
   LEAVE  to allow the next person to enter
   CALL  Have a question? Call your library branch

5. How do I reschedule or cancel my request?

   If you are unable to make your pickup time, please contact the pickup location by email or call us during our open hours to reschedule or cancel your request.

6. When will my returned items be checked in?

   We are no longer quarantining returned items. All items will be checked in when received.

7. When will these new items I've picked up be due?

   Normal loan periods will apply based on the type of material borrowed. These loan periods begin on the day you scheduled to pick up your items.

8. What should I do if I've picked up items that I no longer want?

   Please wait to sort through your bag until you leave the lobby to allow others to enter the facility. Any items you do not wish to take home can be placed in the library's book drop. We will check those items back in and they will be removed from your account.

9. How do I place a new hold on library material?

   Search and place a hold on library material using the library's online catalog, available at https://library.carr.org/about/borrowing.asp. You can also call your branch and ask for help from staff to place holds. You will be notified when these items arrive. You can then schedule a pickup time using Express Pickup.

10. What should I do if I cannot put a book on hold because of fines or fees on my account?

    You can pay your fines online or call your local branch to arrange payment via your credit card. We cannot accept cash or checks at this time.

11. What precautions is the library taking to maintain a safe environment?

    We have enhanced our cleaning procedures to comply with CDC guidelines.

12. When will I be able to use a meeting room or attend a program in the library?

    We are currently not scheduling use of the meeting rooms or holding in-library programs. We will continue to evaluate state and local guidelines for when these activities may resume.

13. Can I still borrow digital content, including, books, magazines, movies, TV shows, and music?

    Yes! These are accessible from anywhere and available from the library's website. Make sure to try our newest online services including:
    
    Kanopy video streaming
    Flipster electronic magazines
    ConsumerReports.org consumer reviews
    Lynda.com from Linkedin online education

14. How do I get a library card to access the library's digital content?

    Register for a temporary digital card that is good for at least two months. Once we can permit customers to come into the branches, you can stop in to receive a permanent card.

15. How many items can I check out with a temporary card?

    The temporary card will currently allow you to check out 20 items.

16. I signed up for a temporary card while you were closed, when does it expire?

    All temporary cards that were registered between March 13 and today, and have not been converted to full cards, are currently extended through at least April 30, 2021.

17. Are you still offering any online programs?

    Yes! See the Upcoming Events section of our home page, or go to the Calendar of Events to view the full schedule of online programs.

18. Can I connect to Wi-Fi if the building is closed?

    Wi-Fi access is still available at all locations in the parking lots and the Westminster Library park.