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Welcome Back: COVID-19 Phased Reopening Plan

Phase 2 Begins April 28, 2021 at the following branches:

Bowie, Laurel, New Carrollton, Oxon Hill, South Bowie, and Spauldings

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) will gradually resume in-person services at all branches over the course of the coming months. Using a phased approach to reopening, the Library has developed a robust set of criteria for resuming services based on current and future public health conditions. The health and safety of the Library’s customers and staff are of the highest priority and will dictate the progression through the four phases of the Library’s reopening. The Library acknowledges that customers are eager to return to their beloved libraries as soon as possible, however the continued presence of COVID-19 requires a steady and deliberate approach to resuming access to physical library materials, branch libraries, and in-person programs. 

The Library’s Phased Reopening Plan has been carefully developed with input from the County Health Department, Board of Library Trustees, and UFCW-1994/MCGEO, which represents the Library’s employees. The reopening timeline is organized in four phases that stagger the return of in-person services at PGCMLS branches. Maximized physical distancing, greatly enhanced sanitization of facilities and materials, and clear communications with customers will be required throughout the process. The reopening plan includes adjustments to the Library’s five main areas of operation: customers, staff, facilities, collections, and programs/outreach/meeting rooms.

PGCMLS staff are eager to see members of the community at the libraries after many weeks of being limited to virtual engagement. The Library asks for your continued support as we strive to keep all customers and staff safe while welcoming you back to the branches.

Schedule a Phase 2 Appointment Beginning on April 22

The Four Phases

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Hours are Tuesday-Friday 1-6 pm, and Saturday 1-5 pm.

Reopening Phase 1
PGCMLS Ask A Librarian

Conditions for Phase 1

  • The stay at home order is lifted by state and local government.
  • Physical distancing is required and infection risks remain.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is available for all staff.
  • Masks must be worn by customers and passengers picking up materials (whether in a vehicle or on foot).

How Curbside Service Works

  • Customers can pick-up existing holds by appointment only. Curbside appointments can only be booked once holds are confirmed. Materials will be held for seven (7) days from the time the hold notification is received, prompting a curbside appointment booking.
  • When customers arrive for their appointment, staff will deliver their holds to the customer’s vehicle and place the items in the trunk. If a customer arrives on foot or by bicycle, staff will place the materials on a nearby table or cart.
  • Staff may not accept returns by hand. Customers must place all returns directly in the outdoor book drops.
  • All buildings, including restrooms, will remain closed to the public during Phase 1.
  • There is a check out limit of 50 items per library card, per visit. Multiple cards can be used; please indicate on the form when you book your appointment.
  • Access to the Library catalog will be online only and customers will reserve materials via the catalog.
  • Mobile printing is now available at select branches for curbside service. Learn more.

Please call PGCMLS Ask a Librarian at (240) 455-5451: Hours are Tuesday-Friday 1-6 pm, and Saturday 1-5 pm. 

Branches Offering Curbside Service (Book Drops Open)

  • Accokeek
  • Baden
  • Beltsville
  • Bladensburg
  • Bowie
  • Fairmount Heights
  • Glenarden
  • Greenbelt
  • Hillcrest Heights
  • Hyattsville
  • Largo-Kettering
  • Laurel
  • New Carrollton
  • Oxon Hill
  • South Bowie
  • Spauldings
  • Upper Marlboro

Closed During Phase 1 (Branches & Book Drops)

  • Mount Rainier
  • Surratts-Clinton
  • Pop-up Locations

Health & Safety

  • Staff and customers are required to wear face masks and limit physical contact.
  • All staff will receive basic health screenings when they report for duty to ensure customer and staff safety.
  • Returns will be quarantined for 7 days prior to being checked-in. Returned items will be cleared from accounts in up to 5 days.
  • We recommend using the catalog to find materials at your preferred branch whenever possible. This will speed up the process of getting your materials.
  • Book/material donations are not accepted at any PGCMLS branches.
  • Branches and staff areas are disinfected hourly.

What Services Are Available

  • Check out books, movies, and materials through the hold system.
  • Virtual programs continue.
  • PGCMLS Ask a Librarian support remains available by phone, email, and social media.
  • Drive-up WiFi is available at all PGCMLS buildings 24/7.
  • New customers may obtain a virtual library card at pgcmls.info. New physical cards will not be issued.
  • Books by mail services resume.

What Services Are Not Available

  • All buildings, including restrooms, will remain closed to the public.
  • Public computer, printing, and scanning access are suspended.
  • External outreach activities are suspended.
  • No use of public meeting or study rooms.
  • The Library is not accepting donations at any of our branches. However, there are third-party bins available at Accokeek, Beltsville, Bowie, Greenbelt, Largo-Kettering, Oxon Hill, and South Bowie.

Curbside Service Information

Temporary Hours: Tuesday 1-6, Wednesday 1-8, Thursday-Friday 1-6, Saturday 1-5

Conditions for Phase 2

  • Physical distancing is still recommended, but infection risks are declining.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is available for all staff.

Limited Branch Access

  • A limited number of customers may enter branch libraries based on temporary occupancy limits (1 person per 500 square feet of public services space).
  • Public computer access is by appointment only. Appointments may be scheduled in advance or on-site, as capacity allows. The number of accessible computers will be reduced to enforce mandatory physical distancing. Computer appointments can be scheduled in the PGCMLS App, through customer accounts at pgcmls.info, or by calling PGCMLS Ask a Librarian at (240) 455-5451. Public computer appointments are limited to 60 minutes (one per day, per customer).
  • Customers and staff are required to wear face masks and observe physical distancing requirements.
  • Physical contact between staff and customers is limited.
  • Limited browsing will be available. Self-checkout and contactless checkout via the PGCMLS App are encouraged to minimize interactions between customers and staff.
  • Curbside service continues
  • Access to the stacks is restricted to staff only.

Branches Offering Limited Branch Access

  • Bowie
  • Laurel
  • New Carrollton
  • Oxon Hill
  • South Bowie
  • Spauldings

Closed During Phase 2 (Branches & Book Drops)

  • Bladensburg
  • Mount Rainier
  • Pop-up Locations

Health & Safety

  • A limited number of customers and staff are permitted inside buildings at any given time, based on a formula of 1 person per 500 square feet of public services space.
  • Staff and customers are required to wear face masks and limit physical contact.
  • Plexiglass sneeze guards are installed at circulation and information stations.
  • Customers are encouraged to use self-checkout or checkout materials directly in the PGCMLS app.
  • All staff will receive basic health screenings when they report for duty to ensure customer and staff safety.
  • Returns will be quarantined for 3 days prior to being checked-in. Returned items will be cleared from accounts in up to 5 days.
  • Branches and staff areas are disinfected regularly.
  • One public entrance/exit will be available per branch.
  • One set of public restrooms will be available per branch.
  • Water fountains and vending machines are out of service.
  • Disposable keyboard/mouse covers will be used for the public computers.
  • Hand sanitizer dispensers will be available for the public at entrances.

What Services Are Available

  • Curbside service continues.
  • Check out books, movies, mobile hotspots, and other materials through the hold system.
  • Virtual programs continue.
  • PGCMLS Ask a Librarian support remains available by phone, email, and social media.
  • Drive-up WiFi is available at all PGCMLS buildings 24/7.
  • Public computers are available by appointment (up to 60 minutes per session).
  • Mobile printing and scanners are available with staff assistance.
  • Customers may obtain new or replacement physical library cards.
  • Books by mail services continue.

What Services Are Not Available

  • Ready 2 Read areas are closed and children’s toys are not available.
  • In-person indoor programs are suspended.
  • Limited outreach activities resume.
  • No use of public meeting or study rooms.

Curbside Service Procedures

Curbside service will continue during inclement weather unless conditions are deemed too dangerous for staff and customers. If weather or health conditions require a temporary suspension of operations, curbside service may be temporarily halted until deemed safe. Customers will receive a notification email as soon as possible when cancellations occur. 

  • Placing Holds
    • Place holds through the catalog, the PGCMLS app, or by calling Ask a Librarian at (240) 455-5451. Please specify at which branch you would like to pick up your materials.
    • After placing a hold, you will receive a notification (via email, text message, or phone call) that your hold has been placed. Another notification will arrive when the materials have been delivered to your library of choice, prompting you to book a curbside appointment. (To change your notification preferences, log in to your PGCMLS library account and click on My Account -> My Record -> Contact Information -> Preferences to revise your settings.)
    • There is a check out limit of 50 items per library card, per visit. Multiple cards can be used; please indicate on the form when you book your appointment.
    • Holds will expire after seven (7) business days. If you cannot make your appointment, please make sure to make a second appointment within that seven (7) day window.
    • We recommend using the catalog to find materials at your preferred branch whenever possible. This will speed up the process of getting your materials.
  • Booking Your Appointment
    • Visit the curbside booking page and choose your desired branch, then a date and time.
      To complete the reservation, follow the prompts to enter your name, email address, telephone number, library card number, and car information (if applicable).
    • You will receive an on-screen confirmation of your reservation as well as an email confirmation.
  • Drive-up Services
    • For the safety and protection of you and library staff, masks must be worn by customers and passengers picking up materials, whether in a vehicle or on foot.
    • Please arrive at your scheduled pickup time and pull into a spot marked for curbside pickup. Please be aware that Laurel and South Bowie are drive thru only.
    • If you have materials to return, please drop them off them directly to the outdoor book drops. Staff may not accept returns by hand. Please call if accommodations are desired. You can reach PGCMLS Ask a Librarian (240) 455-5451.
    • Please have your library card information or ID ready for verification.
    • Release your trunk or hatch if possible, or open your back door or window please.
    • Library staff will greet you at the time of your appointment. Items and a check out receipt will be delivered directly to your car by staff wearing masks and gloves.
    • Please close your trunk or window after staff step away. 
    • If you are arriving on foot or by bicycle, we will place the materials on a nearby table.
  • Walk-up Services
    • Accokeek, Baden, Beltsville, Bowie, and Greenbelt offer walk-up service. For the safety and protection of you and library staff, masks must be worn by customers picking up materials, whether in a vehicle or on foot.
    • Look for the designated walk-up area in front of the library entrance and remember to follow physical distancing guidelines.
    • Staff will meet you with your materials at the pick-up time that was reserved.
    • Have your library card information or ID ready for verification.
    • Items and a checkout receipt will be delivered and placed on the table by staff wearing masks and gloves.
    • If you have materials to return, please deposit them directly in the outdoor book drop. Staff may not accept returns by hand. Please call our Ask a Librarian call center if accommodations are desired.
  • Returning Materials
    • If you are only returning materials, please park in any unmarked parking space that is not reserved for curbside pickup. Please follow physical distancing protocols when returning materials to the book drops. Thank you!

Temporary Hours: To Be Announced

Conditions for Phase 3

  • Physical distancing guidelines by the County Health Department have been relaxed to allow for large gatherings.

Partial Branch Access

  • Capacity restrictions for public access will be partially eased, based on current guidance from the County Health Department.
  • Stacks are open to the public and materials may be returned to service desks (in addition to book drops).
  • Book/material donations will not be accepted at any PGCMLS branches during the phased reopening.

Branches Offering Partial Access (Book Drops Open)

  • Accokeek
  • Baden*
  • Beltsville
  • Bladensburg
  • Bowie
  • Fairmount Heights
  • Glenarden
  • Greenbelt
  • Hillcrest Heights
  • Hyattsville
  • Largo-Kettering
  • Laurel
  • Mount Rainier*
  • New Carrollton
  • Oxon Hill
  • South Bowie
  • Spauldings
  • Upper Marlboro

* May reopen if social distancing is possible

Branches with Curbside Service Only (Book Drops Open)

  • Bladensburg (see curbside procedures listed in Phase 1)

Closed During Phase 3

  • Pop-up Locations

Health & Safety

  • Staff and customers are required to wear face masks and limit physical contact.
  • Plexiglass sneeze guards are installed at circulation at information stations.
  • Customers are encouraged to use self-checkout or checkout materials directly in the PGCMLS app.
  • All staff will receive basic health screenings when they report for duty to ensure customer and staff safety.
  • Returns will be quarantined for 3 days prior to being checked-in. Returned items will be cleared from accounts in up to 5 days.
  • Book/material donations are not accepted at any PGCMLS branches.
  • Hand sanitizer dispensers will be available for the public at entrances.

What Services Are Available

  • Check out books, movies, and materials.
  • Virtual programs continue.
  • PGCMLS Ask a Librarian support remains available by phone, email, and social media.
  • Drive-up WiFi is available at all PGCMLS buildings 24/7.
  • Customers may obtain new or replacement physical library cards.
  • Customers may access study rooms.

What Services Are Not Available

  • Ready 2 Read areas are closed and children’s toys are not available.
  • In-person programs are suspended.
  • External outreach activities are suspended.
  • No use of public meeting rooms.

Temporary Hours: To Be Announced

Conditions for Phase 4

  • Infection risk is very low or non-existent.

Full Branch Access with Physical Distancing

  • Customers and staff may be required to wear face masks.
  • Physical contact between staff and customers may be limited.

Branches Offering Full Access (Book Drops Open)

  • Accokeek
  • Baden
  • Beltsville
  • Bowie
  • Fairmount Heights
  • Glenarden
  • Greenbelt
  • Hillcrest Heights
  • Hyattsville
  • Largo-Kettering
  • Laurel
  • Mount Rainier*
  • New Carrollton
  • Oxon Hill
  • Pop-up Locations
  • South Bowie
  • Spauldings
  • Upper Marlboro

Health & Safety

  • Staff and customers are required to wear face masks and limit physical contact.
  • Plexiglass sneeze guards are installed at circulation at information stations.
  • All staff will receive basic health screenings when they report for duty to ensure customer and staff safety.
  • Returns will be quarantined for 3 days prior to being checked-in. Returned items will be cleared from accounts in up to 5 days.
  • Book/material donations are not accepted at any PGCMLS branches.
  • Branches and staff areas are disinfected hourly.
  • One public entrance/exit will be available per branch.
  • One set of public restrooms will be available per branch.
  • Water fountains and vending machines are out of service.
  • Disposable keyboard/mouse covers will be used for the public computers.
  • Hand sanitizer dispensers will be available for the public at entrances.

What Services Are Available

  • Check out books, movies, and materials.
  • Virtual programs continue.
  • PGCMLS Ask a Librarian support remains available by phone, email, and social media.
  • Drive-up WiFi is available at all PGCMLS buildings 24/7.
  • In-person programs, outreach activities, and meeting room use remain suspended.
  • External outreach activities may resume.
  • Customers may access study rooms.

What Services Are Not Available

  • Ready 2 Read areas are closed and children’s toys are not available.
  • In-person programs are suspended.
  • Meeting rooms remain unavailable to the public until no longer needed for quarantined materials.

Introducing Biodegradable Bags

The library is not accepting donations

Banner graphic: "Laurel Dinosaurs" by Ella Alonso, PGCMLS (used with permission)