This page will be updated as the situation changes.
Library Service Restoration Plan
Updated June 19, 2020
Our book drops are open. Curbside Pickup begins Monday, June 22. Our branches will reopen on Monday, July 6.
Bucks County has been designated by Governor Wolf as being in the COVID-19 Green Phase beginning June 26. Bucks County Free Library branches and our District member libraries are getting ready to open.
We are eager to restore services so we can help those who depend on us. We will continue offering all the remote services that have been available since we closed on March 14. While we have set out an approximate timeline for restoration of other services, please be aware that the timeline may change because the situation remains fluid.
As directed by the Pennsylvania Office of Commonwealth Libraries, we have adopted phased-in re-opening plans so we can serve you safely. Our libraries will be following all requirements set out by the Commonwealth in its business orders for operational and building safety as we re-open.
Because of differing needs for preparation, not all libraries will be able to restore services on the same dates. This plan gives date ranges to account for unknowns, such as backorders for disinfectants or other safety supplies and equipment. Please check your library’s website or call to find out more detailed information. You’ll find contact information for all Bucks County libraries at buckslib.org/locations.
Three Phases of Re-Opening
In the first phase, which begins June 8, our staff will return to our buildings. For about two weeks we will handle backlogs of materials and reconfigure our buildings to support social distancing.
In the second phase, beginning June 20, most libraries will offer curbside pickup.
In the third phase, beginning July 6, we will open our buildings to the public.
Phase One Begins June 8: Library Users May Return Items
Starting Monday, June 8, library users can return items to book drops. You may see that a library has set out boxes or other receptacles to handle the extra influx of materials.
There are more than 165,000 items in people’s homes across the county. Because of the volume, we are asking people to try to use a “birthday rule” in the next few weeks when bringing things back.
If your birthday is on an even numbered date, please try to return items on an even date. If it’s on an odd date, please try to return materials on an odd date. This will help us control the flow of materials so we don’t have to shut down book drops that become over-filled and unusable.
All returned items will be quarantined for 72 hours before they can be processed. It may take several days for your returned items to be cleared from your account. Please be assured we will not charge late fees during this time.
No libraries are accepting book donations. Please do not bring any donated items to the library.
Phase Two Begins June 20: Curbside Pick-Ups & Online Summer Quest
Most libraries in Bucks County will be offering curbside services.
BCFL will begin offering Curbside Pickup on Monday, June 22. Be aware that if something is on the shelf at your pick-up library you will receive it more quickly than an item that needs to be shipped from another library.
You will be able to request items for pickup by placing a hold in our catalog or calling the library.
We will let you know by e-mail or phone when your order is ready.
When you come to pick up your materials you must wear a mask and practice social distancing. Signs will direct you to the pickup point.
Depending on the library, you will either text or phone and someone will bring your items to you. Your materials will already be checked out and you will be given a receipt.
We are not accepting returned materials at curbside because they must be quarantined. If you need to return materials we will ask that you put them in the book drop or other receptacle.
We are not accepting payments at curbside. If you need to make a payment on your account we will ask that you make an online payment at the time you place your curbside order.
Summer Quest Begins June 20
Summer Quest kicks off on Saturday, June 20, as an online program with reading challenges, limited-edition badges, and live streaming performances. Visit our Summer Quest page for details on all the fun: buckslib.org/summerquest. We will post information on summer programs on our websites and social media.
Not all libraries will be providing the same services at the same time. Please check your library’s website or call to find out more detailed information.
Phase Three Begins Between July 6: Buildings Open
BCFL branches will open to the public on Monday, July 6. Our collections will be available for browsing and checkouts. Computers and seating areas will be available.
Staff will be wearing masks and practicing as well as enforcing social distancing. Signs near service desks and checkouts will be in place to indicate where to line up or wait for help.
Library users will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing while in the library.
Per Pennsylvania’s business orders, we must limit the number of people in the library to no more than 75% capacity. You will see when you enter the library that computers and furniture have been moved or removed to allow for social distancing.
Depending on how busy the library is, you may need to wait to enter until others leave. The busiest libraries will enforce per-person time limits for computer use and length of time inside the library.
In all cases, libraries will be following all requirements set out by the Commonwealth in its business orders for operational and building safety.
Not all libraries will be opening to the public on the same date. Please check your library’s website or call to find out more detailed information.
Bucks County Free Library Re-Opening Plan Summary
Phase One Begins June 8
- Libraries are closed to the public
- Book returns are open
- Libraries offer phone service
- Library users may place holds and make purchase suggestions
- Book and materials donations are NOT accepted
- No late fees
- Remote services continue
Phase Two Begins Between June 20: Summer Quest & Curbside Pick-Ups
- Libraries are closed to the public
- Summer Quest activities are offered online beginning June 20
- Curbside pickups begin June 22
- No late fees
- Remote services continue
Phase Three Begins July 6
- Branches are open to the public with limited service and hours
- Curbside pickups continue
- Remote services continue
