Sisters Library starts reopening

Tuesday, May 26, started the gradual reopening of Deschutes County Libraries. Books that were checked out months ago, can now be returned.

The return process is a little different for each branch. Some of the library locations are able to have the book bins in an area to allow library patrons to pull in and hand the books to a library employee or toss them in the bin. People don’t have to exit their cars at all.

The Sisters Library was unable to arrange the drop-off in that fashion, since it’s on a two-way street. Patrons park in front, exit their car, follow the signs and drop the books in the bin. You will never be closer than six feet to the library employees helping, so it’s quick and easy. Saturday, May 30, was the second drop-off day.

On June 2, the library continued curbside drop-offs (the book drops will remain closed) and started allowing patrons to pick up items that were put on hold before the March closure.

Per library instructions, “items can only be picked up at the location where the hold was originally placed. All staff will be wearing masks and following social distancing protocols; we encourage the public to wear masks as well.”

Beginning June 2, the Sisters Library hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Access the Library Reopening Plan: Frequently Asked Questions at https://www.deschuteslibrary.org. Patrons can place new holds on library materials starting June 10.

If there are eBooks, audiobooks or physical books that you want, and the library doesn’t have them, you can request anything. Login to your library account, go to “My Library Dashboard” and click on “+ Submit a Suggestion” on the left side. Provide the information and you’ll get a reply quickly from the library staff to say it’s ordered, or explaining why it can’t be ordered.