Libraries in Tolono, Mahomet, and Urbana are taking returns, the Champaign Public Library book drop will open mid-June
Local libraries will finally be able to start restocking their collections with books and other materials that have been checked out since March. Read on to see how individual libraries are dealing with returns, and refer to our post for updated information on continuing curbside checkout.
Champaign Public Library: Returns will be accepted starting June 14. According to their June 2020 News:
You are welcome to bring back books, movies, and anything else you have checked out, starting June 14.
The outside book return slot at the Main Library will be open during curbside hours.
We are not able to accept returns at the Douglass Branch at this time.Due dates have been extended so you are also welcome to keep items longer! [Update 6/26/20: both the Main Library and Douglass Branch have reopened and are both accepting returns during library hours. See here for more reopening info.]Returned items will be quarantined for 72 hours. We are working closely with the public health department and industry experts to safeguard staff and community members who use the library.
The Urbana Free Library: Returns accepted starting Monday, June 8. According to their website:
- Return items in plastic bags.
- Separate items by type when possible
(books in one bag, movies/music in another, etc.).Return only Urbana Free items
(exchange with Champaign Public has not begun yet).Three convenient ways to return:
- During your Curbside Pickup appointment: new expanded hours!.
- To the return bins inside the library during open hours [starting June 26 with reopening of library building; reopening info here]
- To our outside returns in the Green Street parking lot 24/7
(walkers and cyclists only due to construction on Green Street).Note that any items too large to fit into the outside drops must be returned at Curbside Pickup appointments or inside.We will heat-treat or quarantine materials prior to check-in to ensure they are safe for staff and patrons to handle, so it may take 7-11 days for items to be removed from your Library account after they have been returned. We will waive overdue fees if your items go past their due dates while we quarantine them. Please do not attempt to clean or heat-treat items at home to prevent damage.
Mahomet Public Library: Accepting returns since May 22. According to their website:
Beginning Friday, May 22, you may return items through our book drops.
The book drops will be unlocked only when staff members are providing phone service: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. [Update 6/28/20: the library building has reopened for limited hours so returns may be processed during those hours. See here for reopening information.]
We will quarantine incoming items before processing them, which means they will remain on your account until we are ready to handle them and check them in. There will be no overdue fines during this time, so please don’t worry that the items remain on your account. Nothing is due before June 7. We cannot accept book donations during this time.
Tolono Public Library: Accepting returns since June 1 at the Tolono book drop only (not Sadorus or Savoy). According to their Facebook page:
Place any returns in the outside book drop. Books will be quarantined for 7 days before they are checked back in.