NASHUA – The Nashua Public Library is getting ready to offer residents a way to check out materials after closing down at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The library’s book drops are open and curbside pickup will begin June 1 with staff delivering materials to the parking lot. The Books by Mail program will also reopen with expanded eligibility. People can begin ordering by placing holds on items in the library’s online catalog or by calling 589-4600.

“We’re really excited to be able to get books back in the hands of our readers,” Library Director Jennifer McCormack said.

The curbside service is set to begin next week. Holds will be ready for pickup within a few hours of their orders, provided that the material is available. Pickup points will marked with lawn signs saying “Curbside Pickup.” Upon parking, people should call the library and let staff know which numbered spot they are in.

Curbside pickup will be available from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m Saturdays.

Email, text or phone alerts will be used to confirm orders.

McCormack said that the closing has allowed for opportunities to talk to people about their e-books and digital materials. Since the building was closed March 18, staff worked from home. Since then the library has had an increase in people using online materials.

A library card is needed and are available on the library’s website as temporary cards. McCormack said these cards are good for 90 days. More than 500 people have signed up for temporary cards since March 18.

McCormack library users have streamed and downloaded 34,000 ebooks, audiobooks and streaming movies and television shows. This includes over 13,000 TumbleBooks, which are e-books for children.

Since closing, the library has laid all of its library pages, a group of eight part-timers whose primary job was re shelving books and setting up programs. McCormack said the library hopes that after reopening the pages will be back.

McCormack said that MakeIt Labs donated 20 faceguards which staff will wear while bringing out orders.

“It will be just like you’re doing takeout at a restaurant, as touch-free as we can possibly make it,” McCormack said.

Eligibility for the Books by Mail program has been expanded to anyone living in Nashua who meets at least one of the following criteria – those with disabilities that prevent them from visiting the library, are visually impaired, have a condition that puts them at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19, or are age 60 or older.

The library’s book drops have also reopened for returning materials.

Those who are unable the library during the pandemic will not be charged overdue fines.

Returned items will be quarantined for at least 72 hours before being checked back in.

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Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.

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