Carlton Library offers curbside pickup

It isn't only restaurants that can offer curbside pickup during a stay-at-home order. Recently, some libraries in Minnesota have also started offering the service after the order was extended last week. The Carlton Area Public Library began offering its own curbside pickup service on April 13.

The service is available to patrons with any Arrowhead Library card, including Cloquet and Moose Lake public libraries.

Here's how to get started:

To get new books or other materials from the library, people are asked to call the library at 218-384-3322 between 1-3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Be ready with specific titles or authors you would like or to answer questions from staff. You may also give more general requests, such as picture books about bugs, Western books, or mystery audiobooks. Pickup is limited to 15 items, with a three item minimum. Due to limited slots for curbside pickup, individuals will be limited to one pickup time every two weeks.

Customers will be asked to set a specific time and day to visit the library and pick up the materials. At the allotted time, park in front of the library and call to alert staff that you are there. Remain in your car.

Staff will either place your items in your trunk or place your materials by the curbside pickup sign. Once staff returns to the building, you may exit your vehicle and pick up your items.

Once you are done with your items, return them to the library's outdoor drop box to the right of the front entrance.

Loan periods for library items have been extended past the end of April for all libraries in the Arrowhead Library System. The Carlton library drop box is still open and items will be quarantined for at least five days before they are put back into circulation. Do not worry about returning items while the library is closed as they are temporarily forgiving fines.

Finally, the library has a COVID-19 screening checklist that patrons must answer before participating. If people have symptoms, live with someone with COVID-19 symptoms or work in a facility with any cases of the disease, they are asked to not use the service.

Call the library with any questions at 218-384-3322.

Bethany Leseman is director of the Carlton Public Library.