The Los Banos public library is providing many services this summer
With appropriate COVID-19 precautions, Merced County Library/Los Banos resumed curbside pick-up service on June 15.
Even though the library is closed to the public, staff are inside ready to assist you via phone or email with your reading and informational requests.
Curbside pick-up service is available Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Los Banos Library.
Call (209) 826-5254 for information. Staff will set up a day and time for you to pick up material. There are several options to request material, including:
1. Using the online catalog to place holds. Holds will be filled from libraries within San Joaquin Valley Library System that are open for curbside services.
2. Calling your local library. (See curbside pick-up service location on our website.) Let staff know what you want to pick up. “I would like five mystery titles, two grilling cookbooks and 10 children’s picture books.”
3. Filling out the curbside pick-up form on the library’ website. www.mercedcountylibrary.org
In addition, there are many opportunities for patrons online, include e-Books, e-Audio, and ZIP Books. The library has over 5,000 popular titles as e-Books and e-Audio available through our apps – OverDrive (Libby) and Cloud Library. The library also offers magazine and newspaper articles through online databases. All this and more is available free with your library card.
No library card? No problem. Call your library to request a library card. Staff will issue you a library card over the phone so you may start using the library’s virtual services immediately. Your new library card will be sent via mail.
This year the library’s popular summer reading program has gone virtual! “Dig Deeper: Read, Investigate, Explore” offers virtual programming daily through the end of July. Programs include music, magic, STEM, and the ever popular Zumba!
There is plenty of time to register and participate in Dig Deeper: Read, Investigate, Explore. By signing up you can earn prizes, share book reviews and enjoy activities and events. The theme is all about discovery, exploration, and investigation of the world around you. Summer reading is for everyone! A child’s best example is the adults in their life. Participate together and make lasting memories.
We are also excited to bring you weekly virtual StoryTimes, craft activities to do at home, and meet new library friends – Mr. Blue. Check our social media pages to learn about upcoming summer reading programs.
The library understands this situation is affecting our customers in many ways. Merced County Library is suspending fines and fees during this time. All funds owed to the library will remain on accounts but the library is suspending blocks so that residents have access to necessary resources – whether print or electronic.
The library also disinfects all material returned prior to being checked in. This process takes 48 hours. We are following appropriate COVID-19 precautions and look forward to the day when our customers may return to our facilities. Until then, library staff will continue to assist and develop virtual programs to foster the love of reading for our communities.
Stay safe and Happy Reading!