Starting May 21, there will be two ways for Library patrons to pick up requested Library materials. The first is curbside service for patrons to check out and pick up physical materials at the Library’s Saint Johns Drive entrance, Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The second is for Library material placed on hold to be picked up at the Circulation Desk, Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The extension of curbside service to include limited hours for items held for pick up at the Circulation Desk is the second phase of the Library’s gradual reopening.
The Library’s main physical space will not be open to the public during Curbside or Circulation Desk pick up. Once a date is decided for reopening the main physical space, the Library will send out communications through numerous channels to inform the community. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please email the Library or sign up online (select Library News and Services) to be added to our subscriber list to receive email updates from the Library.
The Library’s book drop is open for returns.
How to Utilize Curbside or Circulation Desk Service for Picking Up Requested Materials
Step 1 – Place a hold on physical books, audiobooks, movies, etc. that show as available in the Library’s online catalog, https://catalog.hplibrary.info. Once you search and find an available physical item you would like to hold, click on the “Place Hold” button. Next, log in with your library card number and PIN. Then click on the “Submit Hold” button. If you have questions concerning placing holds online or would like suggestions for materials, Library staff are happy to assist you by phone, 214-559-9400, or email, hplibrary@hplibrary.info, Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; as well as online chat, Tuesday through Saturday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Step 2 – Receive a phone call or email from the Library informing you that your items on hold are ready for pick up.
Step 3 – Arrive at the Library during curbside or Circulation Desk pick up hours. If using curbside service, please drive to the Library’s entrance on Saint Johns Drive and park in a designated Library parking spot. If using Circulation Desk service, please use the main Town Hall entrance on Drexel Drive.
Step 4 – For curbside service, please remain in your vehicle and call the Library at 214-559-9400 to inform staff you have arrived to pick up your material. Staff will confirm your name and library card number at this time; as well as ask for the make, model, and color of the vehicle you are driving. For Circulation Desk service, please inform staff at the desk that you are picking up a hold. Staff will ask for your name and ID.
Step 5 – For curbside service, Library staff will deliver the material to your vehicle. In order to practice safe social distancing, please remain in your vehicle while picking up materials. Library staff will place the materials in the trunk of your car. For Circulation Desk service, staff will retrieve the requested materials and place your bag of items on a book cart for you.
Special Considerations
There is a limit of 10 items for curbside or circulation desk service.
These services are for picking up items on hold ONLY. No other transactions will be handled curbside or at the Circulation Desk.
The Library’s main physical space will not be open to the public during Curbside or Circulation Desk pick up.
Staff will be unable to take any return materials. Please utilize the book drop on Saint Johns Drive for returning your Library items.
If you choose to utilize Circulation Desk service for picking up items on hold, please know as a Town Hall visitor you will be required to wear a cloth covering over your nose and mouth and to adhere to social distancing measures.
Please be aware the Library is unable to comprehensively sanitize every single item that is checked out, and as such, customers are advised to wash their hands after handling materials and avoid touching their faces. For information on how long the virus may survive on surfaces, please consult The World Health Organization.
Virtual Services
The Library offers several virtual services, including streaming services and educational resources for library cardholders that will allow you to borrow digital content or get homework help.
You can find more information and the User Guides for digital services on the Library’s eBooks & More web page. Short video tutorials on how to set up your account and get started for each of these services can be found on the Library’s Databases web page by clicking the blue "Tutorials" tab on the right side of the screen, and choosing "Library Services" to access the specific tutorials.
Additional Information and How to Get a Library Card
Highland Park Library staff will be available, Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., to issue library cards for Highland Park residents, assist patrons with their information needs, answer questions about library cards, and offer consultations on accessing digital services.
Please reach out to Library staff in the following ways:
- By email, hplibrary@hplibrary.info or the Ask a Librarian Service available on the Library’s website
- By phone, 214-559-9400; if prompted to leave a message, please know messages will be checked regularly
- By Live Chat on the Library’s Home Page or Welcome Page, Tuesdays - Saturdays from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m.