Library keeps serving via curbside

Published 5:02 pm Thursday, April 16, 2020

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Though the Selma-Dallas County Public Library had to close its doors to the public nearly a month ago due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the closure hasn’t stopped the library staff from providing the citizens of the Queen City and surrounding Dallas County with information.
“We’re continuing our very successful library curbside delivery in an effort to continue library services to people who do not have computers, who can’t copy, fax or scan and of course who still want to read books with their children and individually,” said Selma Dallas County Public Library Director Becky Nichols. “This is just another way the library is embracing our community at this time, until we can be together again.
Since closing, the library has developed an easy to use system to get books and provide services to patrons.
“All of our media is still available,” said Coordinator of Library Services Dana Stewart.
Stewart said library patrons can call the library at (334) 874-1725 and tell a staff member about their or their children’s interests and a staff member will choose a few selections they they they’ll like.
Stewart said that patrons can still track down specific titles by browsing the library’s full catalog via Camelia Net.
In addition to books, the library is also providing its usual faxing, scanning and copying services, all of which are conducted via phone and by placing documents in folders located outside the library doors at the Selma Aveue entrance.
At the table adjacent to the one with the folders on it is where books and other documents will be placed after patrons have asked for them.
Reference librarian Stephen Posey said a staff member will wait by the materials until they are picked up.
Posey said developing the curbside delivery system is an ongoing process, but he, and the rest of the library staff, are happy to be serving the people of Dallas County.
“We’re always finding new ways to make improvements, but we’re just happy to still be here,” said Posey.
Based on feedback from patrons, the community is happy the library is still providing services as well.
“Someone called to say, ‘you’re a lifesaver,’” said Stewart.
“I think I’ve gotten a thank you every single day,” said Posey. “A lot of libraries have had to close completely. I’m glad we’re still here serving people.”

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