UPDATED: In-person service to resume the week of July 20

Updated at 2:25 a.m. on July 24, 2020

Written by Kathy Taylor, Regional Manager, Downtown Main Library

As part of our efforts to continue to serve the public, the Main Library has re-opened for limited in-person service. All other locations will re-open for in-person service on Monday, July 27, with several exceptions:

Mt. Healthy and Elmwood Place will begin curbside service on August 3.
Greenhills will remain a curbside-only location until after Labor Day.
North Central will remain a curbside location until their air conditioning is fixed.
College Hill will remain closed to all service due to air conditioner repairs, with a scheduled reopening date of July 29.
Price Hill is currently closed through the end of 2020 for a major renovation and expansion project.

In-Person Service Changes

At locations offering in-person service customers will notice the following changes:

The Library will provide a free mask if a customer needs one. A mask order is currently in effect for all of Hamilton County.
Customers and staff are expected to practice physical distancing at all times. Furniture has been spaced out to accommodate this and items like plexiglass barriers have been installed.
Each facility will have a lower maximum capacity.
Customers will be asked to limit their visits to one hour.
Customers will have access to computers, printers, and faxing, as well as the ability to browse and pick up holds.
Increased cleaning and sanitizing protocols are in place. Hand sanitizer is available for customers and staff.
HVAC system blowers have been increased to maximize airflow.
The Library can not accommodate groups at this time, and we are not offering in-person programs or events.
Curbside and drive-thru service (where available) will still be offered at all currently activated in-person locations.
Special hours for vulnerable populations will be held Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. - noon.

Hours of Service

All open locations are now operating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays.

Book Drops

All locations are accepting returns through their book drops, except Price Hill. Materials are being quarantined for four days before being checked-in, so it will be a few days before you see any changes reflected on your account.

Curbside Service

The following locations are open for Curbside Service: Avondale, Blue Ash, Bond Hill, Cheviot, Clifton, Corryville, Deer Park, Delhi, Forest Park, Greenhills, Green Township, Hyde Park, Loveland, Madeira, Madisonville, Mariemont, Miami Township, Monfort Heights, Mt. Washington, North Central, Northside, Norwood, Oakley, Pleasant Ridge, St. Bernard, Sharonville, Symmes, Walnut Hills, Westwood, West End, and Wyoming

Scheduled appointments are not required for curbside service, but calling ahead will make the process more efficient for you, especially if you need to do something other than pick up a hold. 

When you arrive at your location for curbside pick-up, look for the curbside service sign, park, and call the branch at the number on the sign.

Drive-Thru Service

Drive-thrus are now open at these locations: Anderson, Covedale, Groesbeck, Harrison, Reading, and the Downtown Main Library

Scheduled appointments are not required for drive-thru service, but calling ahead will make the process more efficient for you, especially for curbside service, or if you need to do something other than pick up a hold. Find phone numbers for all branches on this web page.

Holds/Borrowing Items

If you would like to borrow an item from the Library, search our catalog, opens a new window, find the item you want, place a hold on it, and choose which location you’d like to pick up the item from. Or you can call us, and we’ll place the hold for you.

When the item is ready, you will receive an email notice. You can pick it up anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.  If you’d like, you can call the location and schedule a time for pick-up.

We’re Here for You Online and on the Phone

Our eBranch, opens a new window is always open, and we are continuing to provide events like storytimes online on a regular basis. Check our calendar, opens a new window for more information.
Call, email or chat, opens a new window with us seven days a week for help with job searching, finding trusted health information, getting assistance with a library resource, and more.

For the latest coronavirus updates, visit our Library Restart page.