As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the libraries in the SAILS network want to let you know the measures we are taking to provide service to our patrons and students during this period. Our libraries are committed to delivering essential services while also protecting the health and safety of staff and all of our users.
The below information has been updated as of 8/17/2020.
Library closings
Please see our COVID-19 Reopenings list to see which libraries are offering curbside and no-contact pickup services and which are providing in-person service. Please contact your library directly to find out what services they are offering.
Your library checkouts
Because libraries are quarantining materials after they are returned, there will be a delay in checking those items in. They may be listed on your account for several days after you return them. You may also receive overdue or auto-renewal notices for items that have been returned, but have not yet completed quarantine. If checked-out material is still listed on your account a week after returning items, please contact your library.
Consult our COVID-19 Reopenings list to see which libraries are currently accepting returns. In some cases, libraries may only accept returns at specific hours or through the bookdrop. Please contact your library for further details.
Most public libraries are using standard due dates for materials again. Please contact your library with any questions about due date. You can find due dates for materials checked out on your card by logging into your account.
All school library due dates have been extended to September 1, but your school may send information about returning library materials sooner. Students and faculty at SAILS academic libraries should contact their libraries with questions about extended due dates.
Your holds
The statewide delivery system that transports materials among our libraries has resumed service for most SAILS public libraries, but some are still unable to accept delivery. Please be patient while the delivery system catches up on the backlog of holds.
Most, but not all, holds that were suspended during the pandemic have been unsuspended. All holds for public library patrons suspended by the network should be unsuspended by August 31. You can also suspend and unsuspend your holds by logging into your account.
Please understand that, with quarantine periods for materials, holds are not filling as quickly as usual. We thank you for your patience as we go through this process.
Online materials
All of our libraries provide access to online materials. E-books, audiobooks, and e-magazines are available through the SAILS Overdrive collection. We recommend using the Libby app to access these resources.
Your library may also have online collections available. Be sure to visit their web sites to see what else may be available to use while you’re at home.
For people who do not yet have a library card, you can easily sign up for a card by filling out the form at https://www.sailsinc.org/my-account/get-a-library-card/. During the COVID-19 epidemic, this card will be good for two months before you need to visit a library to upgrade it to a permanent card.
If your SAILS card was set to expire in March or later, you can continue using your card through September 1 so that you can access these online resources. Online card registrations done early in the pandemic have been extended through September 1. If you are still unable to access resources due to an expired card, please contact your library to see if it can be extended.
Contact your library if you have further questions.
Thank you for the suggestion John. We’ll take a look at how we’re making this information available. We also periodically share the link via our Facebook page and have been sharing the most critical information in the public catalog. All suggestions for the best way to get this information out to library patrons are appreciated!
Hello,
May I suggest that a permanent, more-apparent link to this page be placed on the SAILS homepage. The current link does not connote the crucial relevance and timeliness of the information, and is visible only 20-percent of the time in the rotating slideshow.
This re-opening information helps to set delivery expectations for patrons; moreover, it reduces the need for member libraries to distribute this guidance via telephone and email.
Perhaps a homepage-link might read, “COVID 19 Re-opening Information for Member Libraries.” (Or similar phrase.)
Thank you very much,
John Branco
Hi Eileen,
Many, but not all, SAILS libraries are also open for curbside pickup. You didn’t say which library you are from, but I recommend contacting your local library to find out which services are available at this time.
I’m not understanding why this library won’t open for curbside pickup..Abington Library is already do that. I miss being able to get my materials.
Libraries have been there for me throughout my life. As a child, they were a safe haven for me to turn to when my household was in turmoil. Reading is one of the best ways to escape one’s current situation and immerse oneself in another world. It helps cultivate empathy, understanding and expands a person’s viewpoint. You are an essential service and I hope you are able to open soon. I miss the library so much. God Bless and take care. We all hope to see you soon.
Thank you. That’s very nice to hear and we can’t wait either! – Laurie
Thank you for your kind words. We’ll make sure to pass them along to the Richards Memorial Library. – Laurie
I love our library so much and miss going in. Thank you so much for making everything easier for us. You all are so essential to someone like me who still loves the feel of a book in my hands! Stay safe and healthy and I look forward to seeing you again 🙂
Cindy
I run the chess club at my library, and I miss it so much! Thank you for making things a little easier for everyone, I can’t wait for the libraries to open up again.
Thank you, Bill. As I’m sure you know, the library staff feel the same. – Laurie
Thanks for the extended due dates and all the digital content. We still miss you
Thank you. It’s very nice to hear and I know they miss you too!
Theresa, I’ll email you your account information privately. – Laurie
Wondering what to do if I cannot find my library card. Would love to use some online resources but believe my card is at my daughters and she cannot locate it. Should I use the “guest” option? Thanks,Theresa
Thank you for sharing. We so miss our library!
Miss the library and hope everyone will remain healthy..
lets use this opportunity to enjoy a good book or reread
one we have at home…….hope to see you all soon
Thank you Debby! We hope you and yours stay safe and healthy!
Great work. Thank you and all the libraries in the network