Hartford Public Library will start the process of restoring services in mid-June by opening up its book drops for returns and taking hold requests for books and other materials.

Complete information about the service restoration can be found here: https://hplct.libguides.com/pickup  or by going to the Hartford Public Library app.

“We continue to be cautious and deliberate in our preparations to resume service because the health and safety of our entire community is our priority during this pandemic,” said Bridget Quinn-Carey, HPL president and CEO.
Customers can begin to return items to book drops on Monday, June 15. The materials will be quarantined for 72 hours prior to being checked back in. Fines for overdue materials will continue to be waived until September 1, 2020. Book drops are available at the Downtown Library, and the Park, Albany, Camp Field, and Dwight libraries.
Customers may begin to place holds on materials starting Monday, June 15. The library will introduce a new service called “HPL Grab Bag.” A customer who is looking for something to read or watch but might not be sure of just what to pick can fill out a form online about their interests and an HPL librarian will select books for them to try. Customers who don’t have online access can call the library to access the service.

“It is like a book concierge service,” said Marie Jarry, HPL’s director of public services.
When the Downtown Library was first constructed in 1957, we had a drive-through window!

Customers will be able to reserve books and other materials online or by calling the library at 860-695-6300. Once alerted that the materials are ready, they then can schedule a time to pick up . Holds will be available for pick up outside the Arch Street entrance to the Downtown Library. There will be designated free parking spaces available on Arch Street for customers picking up their orders.

Materials will be stored in a brown paper bag and placed on tables outside the Arch Street lobby. Pick up times will be offered in 10 minute increments.
HPL’s Library on Wheels will begin service throughout the city starting June 22, 2020.

Requested materials will also be available at the Library on Wheels, with locations to be determined in the next several weeks.

“We know that people are nervous about transmission. The precautions we are taking are because we want to make sure that the community feels good about borrowing from us again. We take the safety of our customers and the safety of our staff into consideration when we make these plans,” Jarry said.