As cases of COVID-19 infections rise across the state of Pennsylvania, Frank Sarris Public Library has made the decision that, starting Monday, November 30th, we are returning to curbside only service. This change will remain in effect until further notice. We want to provide the best service possible while keeping our community and staff safe. Although patrons will not be allowed in the building, we are still in operation.
Our new hours of operation are:
Monday-Thursday: 10am – 7pm
Friday-Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Staff can check out and check in items for patrons. Staff will accept item returns. Patrons can place item requests through WAGGIN and/or InterLibrary Loan. Patrons can also take advantage of our online resources either through their WAGGIN library card or by applying for a Virtual Library Card.
Virtual library cards are available to all ages, and parent/guardian approval for those under age 18 is not required at this time. A virtual library card will allow you to access our electronic resources such as eBooks (OverDrive/Libby), audio books (OverDrive/Libby), electronic magazines (Flipster), comic books and graphic novels (LibraryPass’ ComicsPlus), movie streaming and children’s shows (Kanopy) and community courses (Universal Class) all from the comfort of your home. For more information, check our Resources page. There is no fee to register for a virtual library card. Additionally, because the resources are accessed electronically, you don’t have to worry about overdue fines or lost items.
We are not accepting meeting room applications, or scheduling any library volunteers at this time. Additionally, library computers and study rooms will not be available during this time.
You may use the Curbside Pickup Service to pick up grab and go bags for Adult and Youth Services programming when available. Information regarding grab and go bags will be shared through our library newsletter and the Frank Sarris Public Library Facebook page and Instagram account.
We will continue to offer programs virtually. We will announce these programs through our library newsletter, on the library Events Calendar, and the Frank Sarris Public Library Facebook page. Visit the library’s YouTube Channel for playlists which include all of our virtual programs.
We would like to thank the community for its ongoing patience and understanding as we all navigate this difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
**If you or any members of your household are experiencing a fever, cough, or any COVID-19 symptoms, please do not schedule a curbside pickup. **
Who can use Curbside Pickup?
Curbside Pickup is available for current physical library cardholders whose accounts are in good standing. If you have a balance of $10 or more, that balance must be paid below $10 before you can request and pick up any item. For the safety of our staff, we will not process payments curbside. You may call the library and make payment over the telephone. Curbside Pickup is not available for Virtual Library Card Holders. Virtual Library Card Holders only have access to our electronic resources.
How does Curbside Pickup work?
- Reserve your items online or over the telephone by calling 724-745-1308 and pressing #1.
- Once your items become available you will be notified. You may then pick them up curbside during our hours of operation. You will have 7 days to pick up your items. After 7 days, your item(s) will be placed back on the shelves.
- When arriving, enter the FSPL parking lot on Murdock St. and park in one of the three designated numbered parking spaces along the fence on Murdock St.
- Stay in your car and call 724-745-1308, pressing #1 for the main circulation desk, identify yourself and provide your curbside spot number (#1, #2 or #3). If you are walking up for curbside pickup, select an open spot and follow the steps above to notify staff of your arrival.
- Staff will approach your window from a safe distance to ask for your ID. We can view the ID through the vehicle’s window or if a walkup, you may place the ID on the rolling cart for staff to look at without any contact.
- Once the ID is verified, please open the back of your vehicle so the staff member may safely place your item(s) inside. For walkups, you will take the item(s) off the rolling cart at a safe distance.
How do I reserve items?
Place requests online via WAGGIN or over the telephone. There is no fee for this service. If the item is not at FSPL, a request can be placed to another library within our library system. The request will be delivered to our library, if the patron has registered FSPL as their home library. Requests for Inter-Library Loans (ILL’s) are available, but are limited to libraries within the state of Pennsylvania. Library telephones will be answered during the following hours:
Monday-Thursday: 10am – 7pm
Friday-Saturday: 10am – 4pm
How do I renew items?
You may renew your items online or over the telephone. To renew online, login to your acccount. You may renew items if no one else has requested them, and if the renewal limit has not been reached.
Where do I return items?
You may return items via the outside drive-up/walk-up drop boxes on North Jefferson Ave., which have 24-hour access. Only themed bags and Launchpads can be returned during Curbside Pickup. All returned items are placed in quarantine before being checked in and placed back on the shelves. For books and magazines, this is a three day period. For DVDs, BCDs, Playaways and Launchpads, this is a five day period. Overdue charges will not be assessed during the quarantine period.
We will continue to remind patrons to return overdue items via our overdue notices. Items that have not been renewed or returned four weeks past the overdue date will be regarded by our system as “Lost.” At that point, patrons will be billed for the item(s). If a patron has a lost or damaged item, we encourage them to contact our main circulation desk at (724) 745-1308 ext. 1. We are always willing to work with patrons to find a reasonable solution.
Can I donate gently used books, DVDs, etc.?
Donations are not being accepted at this time.
What are the safety precautions your staff is taking?
All staff members are required to wear a facemask and will practice social distancing from other staff members and members of the public during the curbside service. Staff members are also having their temperatures checked on a daily basis. All items returned to FSPL during this time are placed in quarantine before being checked in. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who jeopardizes the safety of our staff and/or patrons.
Can I park in the library parking lot?
The library parking lot is only open during the following times:
Monday – Thursday 10am – 7pm
Friday – Saturday 10am – 4pm
Vehicles left unattended in the parking lot at any other time will be towed.
last updated: November 25, 2020 4:11 p.m.