On Tuesday, May 5, the Library will resume curbside service, for patrons to check out and pick up physical materials, at the Library’s Saint Johns Drive entrance. The service will be available during the following times, weather permitting: Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Library’s book drop will reopen for returns starting at 10:00 a.m. on May 5. All materials checked out before the Library’s temporary closure will have a new due date of June 16.
Curbside service is the first phase of the Library’s gradual reopening, and we’re looking forward to offering this service to you.
The Library’s physical space will not be open to the public at this time. Once a date is decided for reopening the physical space, the Library will send out communications through numerous channels to inform the community. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we develop a thoughtful reopening plan for the Library, its staff, and the community. Please email the Library or sign up online (select Library News and Services) to be added to our subscriber list to receive email updates from the Library.
How to Utilize Curbside Service
Step 1 – Place a hold on physical books, audiobooks, movies, etc. that show as available in the Library’s online catalog, https://catalog.hplibrary.info.
Once you search and find an available physical item you would like to hold, click on the “Place Hold” button. Next, log in with your library card number and PIN. Then click on the “Submit Hold” button. If you have questions concerning placing holds online, or you would like suggestions for materials, Library staff are happy to assist you by phone, 214-559-9400, or email, hplibrary@hplibrary.info, Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., as well as online chat Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Step 2 – Receive a phone call or email from the Library informing you that your holds are ready for pick up.
Step 3 – During Curbside Service hours, arrive at the Library’s entrance on Saint Johns Drive and park in a designated Library parking spot.
Step 4 – Remain in your vehicle and call the Library at 214-559-9400 to inform staff you have arrived to pick up your material. Staff will confirm your name and library card number at this time; as well as ask for the make, model, and color of the vehicle you are driving.
Step 5 – Library staff will deliver the material to your vehicle. In order to practice safe social distancing, please remain in your vehicle while picking up materials. Library staff will place the materials in the trunk of your car. Staff will be unable to take any return materials. Please utilize the book drop for returning your Library items.
Special Considerations
- There is a limit of 10 items for curbside delivery.
- Please be aware the Library is unable to sanitize every single item that is checked out, and as such, customers are advised to wash their hands after handling materials and avoid touching their faces. For information on how long the virus may survive on surfaces, please consult The World Health Organization.
Virtual Services
The Library offers several virtual services, including streaming services and educational resources for library card holders that will allow you to borrow digital content or get homework help.
You can find more information and the User Guides for digital services on the Library’s eBooks & More web page. Short video tutorials on how to set up your account and get started for each of these services can be found on the Library’s Databases web page by clicking the blue "Tutorials" tab on the right side of the screen, and choosing "Library Services" to access the specific tutorials.
Additional Information and How to Get a Library Card
During the Library’s temporary closure, Highland Park Library staff will be available, Tuesday - Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., to issue library cards for Highland Park residents, assist patrons with their information needs, answer questions about library cards, and offer consultations on accessing digital services.
Please reach out to Library staff in the following ways:
- By email, hplibrary@hplibrary.info or the Ask a Librarian Service available on the Library’s website
- By phone, 214-559-9400; if prompted to leave a message, please know messages will be checked regularly
- By Live Chat on the Library’s Home Page or Welcome Page, Tuesdays - Saturdays from 1:00 - 5:30 p.m.