Lake County Libraries

​While all Lake County Library District locations remain closed to the public to be in compliance with the Governor’s Stay Home, Save Lives order, library patrons will soon be able to check items out again through a new Library Take Out service. Beginning Tuesday, March 31, 2020, library locations will have weekly pick up times that the public can use to take library items home.
 
There are three steps to using Library Take Out. First, library patrons must place items on hold. Patrons can do that by signing into their library account online and placing holds themselves or by calling or emailing their local library. Second, patrons should arrive at their local library’s designated pick up day and time. Third, patrons should call the library to say they are outside and ready to pick up. Library staff will check the items on hold out to the patron and place the items on a table, chair, or bench outside the front door for the patron to pick up. The hold deadline is noon for same-day Take Out.
 
Library staff in all locations will continue to answer phones and email during each facility’s normal operating hours. All returned items must be placed in the drop box for each location. Incoming items are held in quarantine for a week before reshelving and checkout to the next patron.
 
“We feel this is a safe way for library patrons to expand their free entertainment and education options while at home in compliance with the Stay Home, Save Lives order,” said Library Director Amy Hutchinson. “We do ask for a little patience as we start this new service. There are over 3,000 library patrons and the equivalent of less than 5 full-time library staff,” said Hutchinson.
 
To ensure the service runs smoothly, library patrons can help by placing their holds online, and following directions provided by library signage and library staff during pick up. The goal is to maintain social distancing for staff and patrons both during pick up. Patrons can log in to their online account at https://lake.sage.eou.edu/ and clicking the ‘My Account’ button in the top right corner. Contact library staff if you don’t know your login information. There is a limit of 9 holds per library account at one time. 
 
For the Main Library, Library Take Out can be picked up between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM Tuesdays through Fridays or Saturdays between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Christmas Valley Take Out can be picked up between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays and between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM Saturdays. Paisley Take Out can be picked up between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Silver Lake Take Out can be picked up between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Mondays beginning April 6, 2020. Questions about the service can be answered by your local library staff or Library Director Amy Hutchinson, 541-947-6019. 

Library Take Out Frequently Asked Questions

How does Library Take Out work?
You place a hold on items you would like to check out. Library staff pull the items from the shelves and have them ready for you. You come to the library during a designated pick up time and call to let staff know you have arrived. Library staff will check your items out to you and place them outside in a designated pick up spot while you wait in your car or at least 6 feet from the door. When staff goes back in the building, you retrieve your items from the pick up spot. 
How do I place holds? 
You can place holds online or by calling your library. Call the Main Library in Lakeview at 541-947-6019, Christmas Valley at 541-576-2336, Paisley at 541-943-3911, and Silver Lake at 541-576-2146. 
How many holds can I place? 
The maximum number of holds that can be placed on a library account at one time is 9. 
Can I get books from other libraries?
At this time, the library courier service is still running, but some Sage libraries are closed.  You may want to have a back up plan in case your first choice item is not available. 
What if I want someone else to pick up my holds?
You can authorize someone else pick up your library holds by calling your local library and letting them know. Library staff will make a note on your account about who is authorized to pick up your holds. 
When can I pick up my take out? 
Main Library: Tuesday - Friday, 1 PM - 7 PM and Saturday 1 PM - 4 PM
Christmas Valley: Tuesday and Thursday, 2 PM - 6 PM and Saturday 1 PM - 3 PM
Paisley: Tuesday and Wednesday, 2 PM - 6 PM
Silver Lake: Monday, 2 PM - 6 PM (begins April 6)
What about copies or printing? 
We ask that you hold all copy and printing requests that you can until the Stay Home, Save Lives order is lifted or modified to allow you to return to visiting the library in person. If you have an urgent printing or copy need, please contact your local library.
Can I catch COVID-19 from library materials?
Our current understanding is that the virus is viable, meaning it can infect others, for about 24 hours on cardboard and about 72 hours on plastic. All incoming library materials have their covers lightly cleaned with an all-purpose cleaner or disinfectant, and then they are quarantined for one week. If you have concerns, you could also quarantine library materials at home for an additional time period before enjoying them. Click here to check out a great article from USA Today about how long the virus lasts. 
Yes, but what about the cruise ship that had virus in the cabins for 17 days? 
Detectable virus does not mean infectious virus. The CDC detected parts of the virus' RNA on the cruise ship after 17 days, but the whole virus must be present to infect a new person. Click here to read an interview with Harvard and Yale epidemiology and immunology experts on the subject.