Boise Public Library begins to emerge from coronavirus shutdown. Here’s what to know.
For the first time in nearly two months, Boiseans will soon be able to check out new library books.
The libraries closed March 17 after Mayor Lauren McLean closed public access to most city buildings to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and patrons were told to hold onto any materials they already checked out until June 1.
Boise, along with the state of Idaho, is getting ready to move into its second stage of reopening, however — and that means limited library access will be available again starting Monday, May 18.
All Boise Public Library locations will begin to offer curbside pick-up and drop-off of materials. Library staff members will begin by calling patrons who already have items on hold to let them know they can come get their materials.
The curbside service will be offered Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m., Kristine Miller, interim library director, told the library’s Board of Trustees during a meeting Thursday. A phone number will be posted outside each library for people to call when they arrive. Library staff members will check out materials on a patron’s card, put them in a bag and take them out to the patron.
Those hours are also when patrons will be able to drop off their materials in book-return drops, which have been closed. Miller said any returned materials will be quarantined for at least 72 hours before being processed and made available for new patrons.
If you can’t make it during those hours, don’t worry — all checked-out materials have had their due dates extended to June 17.
Other libraries in the area, including the Nampa Public Library, have already been offering curbside services for patrons, Miller told the board. That has allowed Boise to take lessons on how to make the process go smoothly.
People will also be able to schedule appointments to use computers at the main library, 715 S. Capitol Blvd, starting Monday, May 18. The 45-minute appointments will be limited each weekday to between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and free printing will be available. Stations will be cleaned between each use.
Those looking to register for appointments can visit BoisePublicLibrary.org/Computers or call 208-972-8255.
Access to the library buildings will not be available beyond that, but Miller said library staff are working on expanding offerings to the public as the city continues to reopen. No date for reopening the buildings has been set.
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