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The Pleasanton Public Library suspended indoor services starting Tuesday while the state’s regional stay-at-home order is in effect, but there are several alternative options for residents to access books and other library materials and resources.
The library opened to the public almost a month ago, and offered indoor services for a total of 16 days (Nov. 12 to Dec. 5) before the statewide stay-at-home order started.
“Although we are unable to provide the public with access to the library at this time, it’s very important for us that the community still has access to our material and the many vital resources we provide,” Heidi Murphy, the city’s library and recreation director, said in a statement.
During its brief time open to the public, library and recreation community coordinator Nick Binzoni told the Weekly, “With occupancy fixed at 20 patrons, we saw very short and safe visits to our library with a total of 300-400 patrons per day. We typically see as many as 2,000 patrons on an average day.”
Visitors not only browsed the bookshelves, they also applied for library cards, checked their email, printed documents, and asked reference questions. An average of 1,500 books, CDs and movies were checked out each day the library was open, according to Binzoni.
The community also shared their appreciation for the library team. One homeschool parent “was ecstatic we were open to the public and was eager to come in with her children to the library,” Binzoni said, and a group of middle school students “wanted to donate their ‘love rock’ paintings to all the staff at the library in appreciation of the library being reopened.”
Binzoni also shared a story about a man who recently picked up some reserved books and “thanked the library, and mentioned that visiting the library and picking up materials was helping him to maintain his mental health.”
Library materials can still be accessed through contactless sidewalk services, Tuesdays through Thursdays from 12-6 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Library materials must be reserved either on the library’s website or by calling 931-3400.
“During these times, our sidewalk service actually allows us to serve a greater number of library patrons,” Binzoni said.
In October, 45,885 items were checked out through sidewalk service; last month 25,672 items were checked out though” November is traditionally a slower month due to the holidays,” he added.
Virtual programming and online services will continue to be offered including free ebooks, library card signups, online book club, research tools, printing and streaming services, and weekly live storytimes on Facebook.
Under the stay-at-home order, the city’s playgrounds will also be closed to the public in addition to indoor library service.
