Library completes renovations, offers pick-up service
The coronavirus pandemic has prevented people from doing a lot of things they love, but reading books is not one of them.
While the Carnegie Public Library isn’t currently open to the public, it does offer a curbside pickup option which allows residents of the Meadow City the opportunity to get the books they need. The library has also used the closure to make some needed renovations to the 117-year-old building.
The pickup option begins with a search of the library’s catalog, available at its website within the City of Las Vegas’ website, lasvegasnm.gov. Once patrons locate a book they would like to check out, they simply call the library to reserve it. They can even schedule a specific time to pick up the book. And those without internet access can simply call the library to check the availability of particular books, reserve them and schedule a pickup time.
Orders can often be picked up within minutes of calling, according to Carnegie Library Manager Sonia Gomez. However, orders containing several books may take a little longer for library staff to fulfill.
After scheduling a time, patrons simply go to the door and ring the doorbell, and a member of the library’s staff will hand them their items.
“We have (COVID-19) guidelines in place,” Gomez said. “When my staff answers the door, they have masks on. We’ve been placing reservations in a bag, and when they come to the door, we just hand it off to them.”
Checkout periods remain unchanged, and books can be returned to the drop box located off Columbia Street. When books are returned, they’re set aside for three days, Gomez said. Library staff then wipe down the exterior of the books, taking care not to damage them.
“It’s really hard because we don’t want to destroy any of the books with chemicals in the wipes, so we’re cautious how we wipe things down,” Gomez said.
The library continues to offer digital materials as well, such as access to thousands of e-books, audio books and digital versions of newspapers and magazines. These materials are available 24 hours a day and require no contact with library staff.
Free Wi-Fi is also offered and can be accessed from the parking lot, or the surrounding Carnegie Park. The Wi-Fi can be used to connect smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks and laptops.
Gomez said her staff is still able to offer faxing, copying and printing services too. Again, patrons can arrange a time to visit the library and meet a staff member at the door. Library staff can even locate and print income tax forms on demand, all for the library’s regular printing fees.
While the uncertainty of the pandemic has prevented the launch of new services or programs, the historic building has received some minor renovations. Following a second two-week stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in mid-November, members of the nonprofit Friends of the Carnegie Public Library used the time the building was closed to make some needed renovations, including new paint and installing new carpet.
“The library looks almost brand new,” Gomez said with a laugh. “They also purchased furniture and new desks for the computers. It looks really nice in here.”
Library services and material pickups can be scheduled Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon. Book reservations and pickup appointments can be made by calling the library at 505-426-3304.
