Open Hours & Curbside Checkout

The Library is now open for browsing and public computer use Monday through Saturday. 

You are welcome to browse the collection and use the public computers at any time during our open hours. We have relocated the computers and shifted some portions of our collections for required physical distancing. The children’s room is open for walk-in browsing, but can be booked for 45 minute private appointments for one family/caregiver group .

To maintain our limited occupancy numbers, library visitors are asked to enter and exit through the main front entrance. Curbside checkout parking has been moved to accommodate physical distancing requirements.

The Alice Curtis Desmond and Fish Family Meeting Rooms, back hallway, and the downstairs Program Room and Innovation and Learning Center are currently closed. Computer help sessions are available in-person or by phone or Zoom by appointment only. Please see a library staff member for help browsing our history and biography collections. The public water fountain is unavailable in this phase of reopening.

Taking Care of One Another

On the day of your visit, if you are feeling sick, have received a positive COVID-19 test, or have been in close proximity with anyone who’s had a positive COVID-19 diagnosis in the 14 days leading up to your appointment, we ask that you PLEASE STAY HOME and FEEL BETTER.

Acceptable face masks which fully cover the mouth and nose are required for all patrons and staff in the library regardless of vaccination status, with the exception of children under the age of 2. Everyone is asked to maintain a distance of six feet apart and to observe physical distancing markers and signs whenever possible.

If you are unable or unwilling to wear a mask or to follow physical distancing guidelines, please contact the Library Director ahead of your visit to seek alternative accommodations.

Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the library and gloves are also available for patrons using computers and browsing the collection.

Library staff will be cleaning the library at the beginning of each day and high touch surfaces and computer stations will be sanitized regularly.

To obtain computer help either in person or remotely via phone or Zoom, please click the link above.

To book a visit to our children’s room, please click the link above. Please note: the children’s room is open for walk-in browsing but can be booked for a private appointment for one immediate family or caregiver group at a time.

Curbside Checkout & Local Delivery

Curbside Checkout is available during our regular open hours.

 

How Curbside Checkout Works

STEP 1:
Request your materials through our online catalog or call us at 845-424-3020 with your library card barcode. System-wide inter-library loan is now available.

Not sure what you want? Give us a call and our friendly library staff will be happy to make a recommendation or put together a curated set of books or media based on your interests.

Hint: enter your library barcode in your phone because you will need it.
 
STEP 2:
We will call or email you with a confirmation notice when your items are ready to be picked up.

STEP 3:
Drive to the Library during any of our open hours (Mon-Sat). Follow signs to curbside checkout parking. Stay in your vehicle and call 845-424-3020 when you arrive. Please have your library card barcode number ready.

STEP 4:

Library staff will bring your  items out to the front porch for you to pick up.

Please wait until staff have gone back inside the library before exiting your vehicle to claim your bag. A receipt with return due dates will be included with your items.

Enjoy!


STEP 5:

Items may be returned to the Library’s outside book drop. All returns will be quarantined in keeping with the latest guidance from relevant authorities before being processed back into the shared collection.

Phased Reopening

DFPL is taking a phased reopening approach that prioritizes the health and safety of our patrons and staff. We are also providing and expanding our virtual services and programs, along with our digital collections.

For more details about the library’s reopening plans and our health and safety measures, please see our COVID-19 Response and Safety Plan.

Have a question? Library staff are available to take your questions by phone at 845-424-3020 and email at staff@desmondfishlibrary.org Mondays through Saturdays.