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NEDERLAND — The Marion & Ed Hughes Public Library in Nederland is introducing curbside service, starting next week.

Director of Library Services Victoria L. Klehn said the effort launches Monday (May 4) and continues afterward from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“We wanted to make it as safe for the public and staff as possible as we lift some of the social distancing restrictions,” Klehn said.

Curbside Service allows customers to pick up library materials that have been placed on hold. The designated pickup location is at the entrance to the library. Requests are filled by staff members in the order they are received.

Information on Marion & Ed Hughes Public Library, located at 2712 Nederland Ave., is accessible at ned.lib.tx.us.

“We miss seeing our patrons and interacting with them,” Klehn said. “This seems like a good way of, at least, starting the process of getting our services back together, even if it is at a distance. We hope it really works out.”

Library cardholders in good standing and with unexpired library cards can use the service. You must have your library card number and you must have items on hold that are ready to be picked up.

A release from the City of Nederland stresses in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, the public is advised not to visit the library curbside program if they are experiencing any signs or symptoms of illness including, but not limited to: shortness of breath, fever, sore throat or cough. Those with the symptoms should stay home and minimize exposure to others.

“It sounds convoluted as you work through the process, but I think once people get used to it, it will work out OK,” Klehn said.

Those interested can place items on hold using the library website catalog, ptn.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/ned. You will need your library card number and pin number (may be your last name) to sign in. Once logged in, search for the book you would like to check out. Click on the title of the book and then, if it says available, click on Place Hold.

There is a five-item per library card limit.

If you do not have access to a computer, you may call 409-722-1255 to place a hold.

It may take up to 24 hours to pull items from the shelves. Do not come to the library until called to let you know items are ready.

You will need to have your library card and valid identification when you arrive to pick up items. Call 409-722-1255 and let the staff know what kind of vehicle you are driving, and be prepared to show a photo ID and library card through the closed car window.

Social distancing procedures will be strictly followed. Staff will not approach a car if the windows are rolled down.

Remain in your vehicle until library staff has checked ID, delivered items to the pickup area and returned inside the library.

You may return library materials using the exterior book drops. However, it is not necessary to return items until the libraries reopen.

Books picked up using Curbside Service will not have been used by another patron for at least nine days. In order to safeguard the health of patrons and staff, the library is quarantining all items for nine days after their return.