MARICOPA COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT ANNOUNCES NEW CURBSIDE PICKUP SERVICE: “Click it, Park it, Pop it”

PHOENIX, Ariz. – April 22 – During this unprecedented time, Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) has come up with new and innovative ways to meet the changing needs of its communities. After launching livestreaming programs for all ages, increasing access to its collection of streaming and digital services, and introducing one-on-one phone sessions for homework help, there is still an overwhelming desire from the community to regain access to the library’s nearly 720,000 items in the library’s physical collection.

Starting Wednesday, April 22, MCLD will begin a new Curbside Pickup service at the majority of its libraries across the county. Cardholders can reserve and pick up books, movies and more, all while practicing social distancing.

“Libraries are about access,” said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4. “The Maricopa County Library District is dedicated to finding the best ways to give our community the access they need and want. The first step was to go virtual, but we knew many people needed another way. We are thrilled to launch another service that allows for us to be there for our community. No matter what is going on in the world, the library is always here.” The safety of staff, customers and the community remain MCLD’s top priority. All staff members are required to wear gloves, a face mask and will practice recommended social distancing from other staff members and members of the public during the curbside service. All items checked back into MCLD during this time will be placed in a 72-hour quarantine before being placed back on shelves.

The program will launch by allowing access to the more than 16,000 items currently on hold throughout the district. Beginning on Monday, May 4, cardholders will be able to begin making new reservations on items for Curbside Pickup.

PROGRAM FACTS:

STEP 1: CLICK IT

Curbside service will begin on Wednesday, April 22 by distributing items customers currently have on hold. Starting on Monday, May 4, cardholders can begin reserving items that are available at their local MCLD library. Holds can be made online at https://catalog.mcldaz.org/ or by calling (602) 652-3000.

STEP 2: PARK IT

After being notified that items are available for pickup, customers will drive to their library during the designated curbside hours and follow signs for where to park. Customers will be asked to remain in their vehicle and a library staff member will greet them from a safe distance.

STEP 3: POP IT

While library staff retrieve the held items, customers will pop open their trunk for our staff to place items directly into vehicles.

PARTICIPATING LIBRARIES:

Full details about the program can be found at https://mcldaz.org/about/curbside-faq.

ABOUT MARICOPA COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT:

The Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) is a special taxing district that runs 18 libraries countywide. MCLD inspires curiosity, encourages discovery and exploration of new worlds, and helps residents reconnect with their community. In 2019, MCLD held more than 6,700 events for all ages, nearly 83,000 children and adults participated in the Summer Reading Program, and 2.9 million customers visited an MCLD library. Maricopa County and Queen Creek residents and property owners get an MCLD library card at no cost. For more information, visit https://mcldaz.org.