Shannon Ferrell, left, and Effie Casciotta prepare books for curbside checkout at Mesa Public Library, Los Alamos. Photo Courtesy LAC
COUNTY NEWS
Through computer appointments, curbside service, virtual programming, and electronic resources, public library service is ongoing at Mesa Public Library and White Rock Branch Library.
- Public access computers by appointment, curbside pick-up of library materials, and registration by phone for a new library card are all available Tuesdays-Fridays 2pm-6pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm at Mesa Public Library and White Rock Branch Library.
- Digital and electronic resources are available 24-7 with a library card
- Wi-fi is available 24-7 from outside the library at both library locations
Los Alamos County Library System has adapted operations to the current COVID environment, through curbside delivery of library materials, appointments for public access computer use and printing, and diverse electronic resources for all ages. Library staff have transitioned programs online. Youth Services staff are offering virtual programming for children and youth via recorded YouTube storytimes, Zoom crafting, and Lego sessions. HomePages, HomePages Teen, Cover to Cover, and Teen Advisory Group continue via Zoom and Google Classroom. Reading challenges for patrons ages 0-18 are available via Beanstack. Adult services staff is offering adult readers’ advisory groups and the Library Conversations program online via zoom.
Mesa and White Rock Branch Libraries are hoping to “flatten the curve” of curbside service. Saturday curbside was recently added to give patrons who work during the week a chance to access the service on the weekend. This was a change to the schedule that was made based on feedback from the public. Eva Jacobson, Operations Librarian, says “Tuesdays we are seeing exponential growth in curbside service. We’d like to encourage the public to spread their curbside requests throughout the week. I’d really like to let everyone know we are now open Saturdays for curbside service.”
How does it work? All public library services are available Tuesdays through Fridays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This includes public access computer use scheduled by appointment, curbside pick-up of library materials, and telephone access to a librarian who can issue you a library card. For these services, please call (505) 662-8250, (505)662-8253, or email libweb@lacnm.us. When requesting a computer reservation by voicemail or email, wait for Library staff to confirm your reservation before coming to the Library.
To check out items from both libraries using curbside pick-up service, place items on hold over the website, or call the library, wait for notification that the items are ready to be picked up, and then look for the signs in the parking lots at Mesa Public and the White Rock Branch for further instructions. Contact the libraries by phone or email to check out newspapers or reference materials.
Los Alamos County Library System has a large selection of digital materials such as e-books, downloadable audiobooks and music, streaming videos, and online magazines and newspapers. Check out the Digital Library tab on the website losalamoslibrary.org to see what’s available.
Do you need a library card? The library is issuing temporary library cards over the phone. You can also register for a temporary card online by clicking Log In and then Register on the library home page.