Udpated 5/19/2020
Library Staff Working While Library is Closed
Library staff has been working remotely while the library has been closed. As of May 15, library staff is able to return to CCM Edgewood to prepare for a phased reopening process. During this process, CCM will be abiding by guidelines provided by the Allegheny County Library Association and Office of Commonwealth Libraries.
Countywide Cooperation
Many of CCM’s library services, including the countywide library catalog, are dependent on our participation in the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA), which includes 46 independent public libraries with more than 70 locations across the county. CCM is committed to cooperating with the other libraries in ACLA to have a smooth reopening process not just for our patrons, but for the entire county. Coordinating reopening for such a large library system takes planning and time, and we appreciate our patrons’ patience during this process.
Library Facilities Remain Closed
Both CCM locations (Edgewood and Forest Hills) are still closed to the public indefinitely. We do not have a date set for when patrons will be able to reenter the libraries. We are currently modifying our facilities in order to meet the standards for social distancing as recommended by the CDC. This includes installing plexiglass barriers, adding hand sanitizer dispensers, and rearranging furniture in order to improve the flow of traffic.
Curbside Pickup Will Begin Soon
Our first phase of reopening will be curbside pickup for holds. We do not have a date set for when curbside pickup will become available.
To use curbside pickup, patrons will place items on hold (either online or via phone) and then pick up the items at the selected location during curbside pickup hours. If patrons are unable to place items on hold via the online catalog, CCM staff can place holds for patrons via phone. CCM staff is also able to provide readers’ advisory services via phone, offering recommendations from the library’s collection based on patrons’ reading tastes.
The library collection will not be open for browsing during the initial phase of curbside pickup. More information about curbside pickup will be available when a start date is set.
Checkouts, Holds & Returns
Checkouts: Patrons will be able to check out physical library items when curbside pickup begins. Digital items on Overdrive can be checked out at any time, and other digital resources remain available through the eLibrary site (https://elibrary.einetwork.net/).
Holds: Patrons are not currently able to place holds on physical library items. Hold placement has been suspended until the county library system is able to process outstanding holds. There are currently more than 100,000 items on hold in Allegheny County that will need to be processed before new holds can be placed. Hold placement will be reinstated by the county library system at future date TBD.
Returns: Patrons should keep their checked-out items while the library is closed. We are not able to check in any returned items at this time, so any items returned via CCM’s book drop will remain on the patron’s library card until curbside pickup begins.
Computers, Printing, Wi-Fi, Chromebooks & Hotspots
Computers: Public access computers are not available to the public at this time. We are working on a plan to have computers accessible to the public in the future, following guidelines set by the state for social distancing and disinfecting.
Printing: When curbside service begins, patrons will be able to send prints remotely to CCM’s printer via the Printeron service. Prints can then be picked up at the library during curbside pickup hours. Information about using the mobile printing service will be posted at https://ccmellorlibrary.org/technology.html.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available 24/7 outside of CCM Edgewood and CCM Forest Hills. Patrons can connect to the Wi-Fi from the sidewalk or from their parked cars.
Chromebooks & hotspots: CCM’s Chromebooks and hotspots are currently not requestable, but we are evaluating changes to those circulation rules and will publicize changes as they are made.
Online Programming & Summer Reading
In order to abide by social distancing guidelines, CCM will not be offering any in-person group programming through August 31.
While the library is closed, CCM is offering virtual meeting space (via Zoom) for community groups that typically meet at the library. For more information about using CCM’s virtual meeting space, email ccmellor@einetwork.net.
CCM’s summer reading programs for all ages will be primarily online. CCM’s youth services department will be providing virtual programming for children from birth through high school, including storytimes, STEM programs, book clubs, and more. Asynchronous summer reading programs (such as book bingo and grab ‘n’ go craft kits) will continue as normal, as they do not require patrons to enter the library facilities.
For the first time, CCM patrons of all ages will be able to track their reading online via Beanstack. Visit carnegielibrary.beanstack.org/ to sign up and win prizes. Visit ccmellorlibrary.org/summer-reading.html for all information related to our summer reading program.
Fine Free
CCM has been a fine free library since September 2019. No fines are incurred for overdue library items that are returned to CCM. For more information about CCM’s fine free program, visit ccmellorlibrary.org/fine-free.html or aclalibraries.org/fine-free-libraries-remove-one-more-barrier-to-service/
Donations Suspended
Book donations are not accepted at this time due to health and space concerns. We do not have a date set for accepting donations again. Please do not put donated books through the book return.
Contact Us
Please monitor our social media channels and website for updates. Contact us directly (412-731-0909 or ccmellor@einetwork.net) with any additional questions regarding reopening.