While the Talbot County Free Library buildings remain closed for the time being, a gradual restarting of services has begun. Beginning Monday, June 1, 2020 the book drops at both the Easton and St. Michaels branches will be open around the clock for the return of books and DVDs only. At this time, the library is not accepting returns of loaned Chromebooks or Wi-Fi hotspots. To ensure the safety of staff and patrons, the library is not taking any book donations until further notice.
According to Director Dana Newman, returned items will be quarantined for a minimum of 5 days and will remain on the patron’s library card until checked-in after the items are removed from quarantine. No fines will be charged while items are in quarantine. All library due dates on items that were checked out prior to closure have been extended until July 31, and no fines will be assessed for materials that were loaned prior to the library closing.
“We are very excited to launch a new Books-to-Go hold service beginning Monday, June 8, at the Easton branch,” said Newman. “Our patrons will be able to reserve materials through the online catalog and pick them up in the vestibule during a specific window of time. Books-to-Go will be available at the St. Michaels branch beginning Monday, June 15. As yet, we don’t have a specific date for reopening the buildings, but in the meantime, we are pleased to be able to once again offer the community books and DVDs for their enjoyment.” Details on how the program will work will be made available on the library’s website at www.tcfl.org.
Starting Monday, June 8, staff will be answering the phone between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Monday-Thursday, at the Easton branch (410-822-1626). Wi-Fi is available around the clock outside both the Easton and St. Michaels branches. There continues to be host of free eResources and virtual programs available for everyone to enjoy on the library’s website. If you don’t already have a library card, you can get a temporary card online at tcfl.org.
More details on the library’s phased reopening plan will be shared on the library’s website, Facebook page, and via media outlets. For more information, visit tcfl.org, mail askus@tcfl.org, or call 410-822-1626.