CINCINNATI, Ohio — “Obviously I would love to go in but I understand safety first, so I’m happy to at least be able to get some new books,” said Stephanie Hout, who used the MidPointe Library System Curbside Pickup service for the first time.

Hout was one of dozens of people to try out the new curbside pickup service at the MidPointe Library System branch in West Chester.

She says her family really enjoys the new service because it’s quick and easy and offers a wide selection of books. 

“I think they [her husband and son] spent more time looking at books just because it was new and different, so it was fun for my son to at least be able to find something,” siaid Hout. “It wasn’t the same experience as going in, but he liked being able to shop for books.”

So here’s how it works:

You go online and place your holds. Once your holds are ready you will receive an alert that your items are available for pickup.

When you arrive at the library, park at the designated curbside spot. Then text or call the library and a staff member will put the items in your car.

This service is available Monday through Saturday. 

“When we closed due to COVID-19, we did everything we could to make sure we could provide folks with digital e-library materials, virtual programing,” said Cari Hillman. “But now as we’re starting to dip our toe into reopening, we thought curbside service would be a great way to start getting real physical items back to our patrons.”

Hillman says she isn’t sure when the library will fully reopen, but in the meantime they are already preparing for that day. 

“We already have plexiglass installed in all of our points of service, we have the stickers on the floor to maintain social distancing,” said Hillman. “We’re spacing our tables and computers so we’re preparing for when we do reopen.”

And the MidPointe Library System isn’t the only one that has implemented this new service. The Clermont County Public Library also just recently rolled out its curbside pickup service, which is available Monday through Saturday. 

“It’s really important to us be available to our patrons and obviously during this time it’s been extremely challenging,” said Chris Wick, Clermont County Public Library director. “So, while we haven’t returned to business as normal, we saw that curbside is a great alternative to providing access to library materials.”

Wick says they’ve been working with the health department and looking to reopen their doors by the middle of June. 

"Libraries are very important parts of the community and we look forward to serving our patrons again and we want to make sure the library is as safe as possible for both our staff and our patrons," said Wick.