Five Indianapolis Public Library Branches Reopen For Limited Curbside Service

Library branch buildings remain closed across Marion County, but residents will soon be able obtain books and other materials. 

Indianapolis Public Library CEO Jackie Nytes says several branches will begin curbside book delivery services starting Monday, May 18. 

"It’s an opportunity for people to request materials they would like from the library and arrange to pick them up at one of five locations," says Nytes.

Those locations include:

• Central Library
  40 E. St. Clair St.
  Phone: (317) 275-4100
• East 38th Street Branch
  5420 E. 38th St.
  Phone: (317) 275-4350
• Glendale Branch
  6101 N. Keystone Ave.
  Phone: (317) 275-4410
• Pike Branch
  6525 Zionsville Road
  Phone: (317) 275-4480
• Southport Branch
  2630 E. Stop 11 Road
  Phone: (317) 275-4510

The five branches will offer the service from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day except Saturday.

For now, the return of library materials can occur only at outside book drops, which will be open at all locations. All returned items will be quarantined and cleaned in accordance with established health guidelines before being recirculated into the library’s collection.

In addition, all new physical item checkouts will have a 21-day checkout time, and the library will continue to  waive all fines and late fees until further notice.

Here's how it works:

1. Place a hold by calling one of the five branches offering curbside pickup, or by using the library's online catalog. Make sure to set the pickup location as one of the five curbside branches. (You can edit your pickup location in My Settings > Account Preferences.)
    
2. You will be notified when your hold is in. Call the branch during business hours to let them know when you plan to pick up your materials, and the staff will prepare your pickup.
    
3. Park your vehicle and call the branch again to let staff know you have arrived. Tell them your name, last four digits of your Library Card, and description of your vehicle.
   
   A staff member will bring your materials to a table or cart in a plastic bag. Remain in your vehicle or stay at least 6 feet away from the tables until the employee places the bag(s) on the table and goes back inside the branch.
    
4. Once the staff member has cleared the area and is socially distant, leave your vehicle and grab your bag.