CAPE GIRARDEAU PUBLIC LIBRARY TO PROVIDE DRIVE-THRU SERVICES DURING CLOSURE
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Missouri – Starting this Wednesday, May 6th, the Cape Girardeau Public Library will be offering drive-thru hold pickup services.
Though the library’s doors remain closed at this time, the drive-thru window will be open from 12:00 to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, for patrons who wish to pick up items they have placed on hold. Holds may be placed through the library’s online catalog here: www.capelibrary.org/catalog or by calling the library at (573) 334-5279. In order to provide the most efficient service, items must be placed on hold beforehand to be eligible for drive-thru service.
Phones will be answered from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and staff will be available to place holds and provide reference services.
Katie Hill, library director, said, “The library is excited to transition into a new phase of services during these uncertain times. We encourage all of our patrons to utilize our drive-thru to pick up books, DVDs, and other resources. Our convenient drive-up window allows us to offer this service while continuing to do our part to keep everyone safe.”
To allow those who wish to continue to shelter in place the ability to do so, due dates on items that are currently checked out have been extended until June 1st. Those who wish to return their items may do so by using the convenient drop off located in the library parking lot.
As the library works toward fully reopening to the public, it is important to note that the services offered may change as local and state recommendations change.
“As the state and local communities begin to emerge from the stay-at-home order, we must heed the recommendations and keep our distance from one another to ensure everyone’s safety. Library staff have worked hard to develop procedures to keep both our patrons and our staff safe as we expand to contactless drive-thru services,” Hill said.
In addition to drive-thru services, the library will continue to offer 24/7 access to their Digital Branch. This digital collection can be accessed at www.capelibrary.org/digitalbranch. Through the Digital Branch, patrons have access to audiobooks, magazines, videos, and ebooks through the Overdrive, Libby, and RBDigital apps. They also provide access to genealogy resources, resume help, computer skills training, and vehicle repair manuals; just to name a few.
If community members do not have a library card and would like to gain access to the digital collection, they may contact library staff at us@capelibrary.org to be issued a temporary library card. Staff are
available for assistance with accessing the digital collection through the us@capelibrary.org email, by phone at (573) 334-5279 between the hours of 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday through Friday), or by messaging our Facebook page.
For more information about services offered during this closure, visit www.capelibrary.org/covid-19-information/.