VERGENNES — The Bixby Library is returning to lending out its collection of books on a contactless curbside basis that will require patrons to make their requests 48 hours in advance.
In an email Bixby Library Director Catharine Hays said the library is happy to be able to offer books again in an effort coordinated by Assistant Director Maddy Willwerth.
“From what I’ve heard from other libraries in our county, there’s real pent-up demand that we are excited to be able to serve,” Hays said.
Books will be available for pick-up in the parking lot behind the library on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning immediately with the necessary notice to the Bixby staff.
A tent lent to the library by the Vergennes Partnership will shelter the books, which will be set out in brown paper bags labeled with patrons’ names.
According to the Bixby website — bixbylibrary.org — patrons can request materials several ways:
•  By placing a hold through the library catalog. Patrons can login with their usernames or library barcode and passwords. Directions on logins and holds may be found on the website under “Using Your Online Account.”
•  By calling the library during business hours at 802-877-2211.
•  By emailing [email protected]. Patrons are asked to provide their full names, phone numbers, book titles, and author names.
•  By live-chatting with library staff during business hours by clicking the “We Are Here!” icon in the website’s bottom right corner.
The Bixby staff is asking patrons to be considerate and limit the number of items requested to a reasonable amount. If staff members are not able to locate requests they will reach out and suggest substitutions.
When picking up materials the Bixby staff is asking patrons to please wear a mask, maintain six feet of space between each other, and only handle their own packages.
Materials will be checked out to you for three weeks, the due date will be stamped in the item. This three-week period begins as items are scanned in the library, not when they are picked up. However, there is no penalty for late returns, and if anyone in a household is sick items can be returned late. Books can also be renewed the same way they were requested.
Once books are returned they will be placed out of circulation for three days to ensure they are virus-free.
If patrons cannot pick up books on the day they are set out, they are asked to inform the Bixby, where they will be reserved for a week.