Libraries in Centre County have been closed since March 16, but have now begun the first stage of offering services that have been stopped because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Schlow Centre Region Library and Centre County Library locations are now accepting returns at their drop boxes — though patrons are still prohibited from entering library buildings.
Both libraries are placing materials in quarantine and sanitizing them upon return. No late fees are being charged by either library.
Schlow Library requests that patrons returning materials over the next two weeks do so on specific days that match their last name:
– Monday: Last names starting with A through D.
– Tuesday: Last names starting with E through H.
– Wednesday: Last names starting with I through L.
– Thursday: Last names starting with M through P.
– Friday: Last names starting with Q through T.
– Saturday: Last names starting with U through Z.
Materials can also be returned at times that are convenient for patrons, but the guidelines are in place to help library staff manage the large number of returns expected over the next several weeks.
Schlow opened its remote book returns — except for the Nittany Mall location — on Wednesday. Schlow book returns are located at:
– Behind the Schlow building (211 South Allen Street)
– Brother’s Pizza in Stormstown (1450 Halfmoon Valley Road)
– Giant on North Atherton Street (255 Northland Center)
– Uni-Mart at Carson’s Corner (5140 Buffalo Run Road)
– Weis Markets on South Atherton Street (110 Rolling Ridge Drive)
– Clearfield Bank & Trust (511 Pine Grove Road, Pine Grove Mills).
Centre County Library locations in Bellefonte, Centre Hall and Phillipsburg are now accepting returns at their book drops.
While Bookmobile services are still suspended, the Centre County Library vehicle will also be visiting Bookmobile stops to accept returns only beginning Tuesday, May 26. It will follow the normal Bookmobile schedule for stops. Patrons are asked to practice social distancing when dropping off returns.
Schlow Library is planning for the next phase of service in which it will allow patrons to request materials and pick them up without entering the building. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Both libraries continue to offer online services, including e-books and other digital content, through schlowlibrary.org and centrecountylibrary.org.
Schlow also will hold its Summer Reading Program exclusively online with a number of virtual events planned. Registration is now open and the program begins June 1.
