Reopen

Important Library Service Announcement

We’re moving to Sidewalk Service Dec 29 - Jan 30, as library staff continues to assist with the County’s COVID-19 response. Visit the Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Morro Bay, and San Luis Obispo Libraries to pick up your holds at our front doors.

The following libraries are closed until further notice:

Santa Margarita Library | Shandon Library | Shell Beach Library

Our Digital Library remains open 24/7. Please visit ReadySLO.org for the latest updates and guidance.

Sidewalk Service FAQs

What is SIDEWALK SERVICE?

Sidewalk service allows patrons to pick up library materials that have been placed on hold. Library staff have worked diligently to develop procedures for sidewalk service that follow social distancing protocols while effectively serving library patrons.

Where can I pick up my items using sidewalk service?

Sidewalk service will be available at these 4 library locations from 9am-1pm & 2:15-5pm.

Arroyo Grande Library – 800 W. Branch St., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (805) 473-7161

Atascadero Library – 6555 Capistrano Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422 (805) 461-6161

San Luis Obispo Library – 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 781-5991

Morro Bay Library – 625 Harbor St., Morro Bay, CA 93442 (805) 772-6394

When is staff available to assist me by phone?

Please call one of the libraries listed above, 9am-1pm & 2:15-5pm.

When is sidewalk service available?

Sidewalk service is available Tuesday through Saturday from 9am-1pm & 2:15-5pm.

Who can use Sidewalk service pickup?

All County of SLO Public Library cardholders can use the service to pick up requested items.

How can I place holds on library books and materials?

1. Place items on hold using the online library catalog, www.slolibrary.org Click on the Search the Catalog button and place requests.
2. If you need assistance, please call the library to speak to staff. Have your library card number ready.
3. Holds are limited to 10 items.
4. If you receive a hold notification, go to the Library’s designated Sidewalk service location. This will be marked by a table and signage at each location’s entrance.
5. When you arrive at the Library’s pickup location, present your library card to staff and they will get your held items.

How will I know my hold items are ready for me to pick up?

You will receive an email, text or phone notification based on the preference selected in your account.

How many items can I pick up using Sidewalk service?

You may have up to 10 hold requests.

Will I lose my items that are ready to be picked up if I don’t pick them up?

Items ready for pick-up are held for 7-10 days depending on holiday schedules.

Can I suspend my holds for pickup at a later date?

Yes, you can suspend your holds by going to your account and your requests. Select the items you would like to suspend, click the Suspend/Reactivate Selected button, and enter a reactivation date. Your request will continue to move up in the holds queue while suspended.

What if my items are on the hold shelf at a location that isn’t offering Sidewalk Service?

You can request that your items be moved to a location offering sidewalk service. You can change the pick-up location in your account online. If you need assistance, please call one of the libraries listed above to speak to staff. Have your library card number ready.

Can I check items out if I got my card online?

With an online card, you can check out digital materials, but not physical items. To update your online card, please call the library prior to picking up your items. We will include your library card with your requested items.

Can I pick up items for another person who is quarantining/homebound?

If you have the name and the library card number of the person who requested the hold items, you can pick up their items at sidewalk service.

Will I be fined if I am unable to return library materials during the closure?

We do not charge fines on overdue materials. Due dates for most items will automatically renew up to 5 times. However, if another patron has requested the item, it will not be eligible for renewal. If you have an item that is not eligible for renewal and you are unable to return it, please call the library and speak to the staff.

How do I return library materials?

You may return items in the book drop at your local library. Items checked out using the Sidewalk service will have standard due dates of 1 week for DVDs and Blu-rays or 3 weeks for most other items. It is not necessary to return items until their due date.

What if I no longer want to check out the items, I have on the hold shelf?

Please call one of the libraries listed above and staff can assist you.

Can I request items from other libraries in the Black Gold Cooperative?

Not at this time. Delivery services are not operating between the Black Gold Cooperative member libraries. Materials for hold requests will be limited to items in the local collections of the County of San Luis Obispo Libraries. Items from Black Gold Libraries can be returned at any time to the bookdrop at your local library.

I have a question about my account. Is there anyone who can help me?

Please call one of the libraries listed above and staff can assist you.

I have a reference question. Is there anyone who can help me?

Please call one of the libraries listed above and staff can assist you.

Or visit us online and use our Ask a Librarian online service.

Are there other library resources I can use during the closure?

Some facilities remain closed at this time. Since most library staff are currently deployed as disaster service workers, our operations will remain limited to pickup of holds via sidewalk service, phone and online reference, and our digital library collections.

Will public computers be available?

Public computers will not be available during Sidewalk service hours.

What materials are not available for pickup?

Library of Things items are not available for Sidewalk service at this time.

What safety measures are you taking?

Library staff will be following guidelines to ensure safety by maintaining separate workspaces, sanitizing work stations, and wearing masks. Customers are required to wear masks when picking up library materials. Given the nature of a shared library collection and the limited knowledge about how the coronavirus may be spread on the surface of items such as books and DVDs, we are not able to guarantee the safety of shared library materials. During this time, it is recommended that you consult the CDC guidelines on how to protect yourself from exposure, and use our Digital Library if you have any concerns.

Can I donate materials to the Library at this time?

We are not accepting any donations at this time.