Charles County Public Library Reopening FAQ’s

When is the library reopening?

We are as eager as you are to get back into the library. But the safety of our patrons and staff is our number one priority. We are currently hard at work to implement our phased plan for reopening safely, and as soon as we can. We are following the recommendations and guidelines from County, State and Federal health and government officials. We began Phase 1 of our plan on Monday, June 15, 2020 with the opening of our book drops. Our book drops remain open and accessible 24/7. Phase 2 of our reopening began Monday, August 3, 2020 with the launch of Curbside Pickup @CCPL. We are thrilled to announce that Phase 3 of our reopening begins on November 4, 2020 with the redeployment of our Mobile Library and Outreach Van. Please visit our Mobile Library page for the full schedule of stops and list of services. We will continue to share reopening information by phase, so as soon as we are ready to move to a new phase, we will share that information with our patrons. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ccplonline, check our website, ccplonline.org, or call us for the latest updates.

How do I make a Curbside Pickup appointment?

Please visit our Curbside Pickup Information Center to learn all about this new service, including how to place holds and make appointments.

Does this mean I can visit the library now?

Our Mobile Library and Outreach Van are now back on the road. For more information on the services that will be available, as well as the schedule of stops, please visit our Mobile Library information page. 

All Library locations remain closed to the public. While Curbside Pickup is available, access to the inside of our buildings is prohibited. We will announce when we are ready to re-open our buildings and the launch of additional services at a later date. Please visit ccplonline.org for updates to service.

Can we return our Library materials now?

Yes, book drops are open at all of our branches, and will be accessible 24/7. However, if you are unable or unwilling to come to one of our book drops, all fines will be waived until further notice. There will be no penalty for continuing to hold on to your materials. We will make further announcements as we move forward.

What should I do with my mobile hotspot?

Please do not return mobile hotspots to the Book Drops. You may keep using those and return once our buildings reopen.

Are you going to be running summer programs for kids?

Yes, our Summer Reading 2020: Imagine Your Story is now live! Please visit our website, www.ccplonline.org/summer-reading-2020/ to find out more about the program, how to register and to find a full list of this year’s special online programs and events. All programming will continue to be virtual until further notice.

How can I get the library emails?

There are two ways you can be added to our email list:
1) Sign up for a library card! You will be automatically added to our list upon sign up.

2) Use the Contact Us form https://ccplonline.org/connect/contact/ on our website, select the Marketing Department as the department you would like to contact, and we will manually add you to our list.

How do I get a library card?

Visit our website, ccplonline.org, then go to About CCPL on the main menu and click “Sign Up For A Library Card” under the Library Services section so you can gain access to all of our FREE digital resources 24/7.

Can I donate my books to the Library now?

Do not bring any materials to a Library location. The Library is not able to accept any book donations at this time and we are unable to advise on book donation alternatives.

I don’t have any holds to pick up, but I really need something to read.

Please visit our Digital Library at ccplonline.org to explore a range of audiobooks and eBooks, magazines, newspapers, movies, music and much more. We also have a new blog, CCPL @ Home that also has a lot of ideas and resources. You can access the blog by visiting our website, and clicking on the portal for the Blog on the homepage.

Where can I find information about COVID-19 or community resources?

We have compiled a list of resources to help connect you to relevant information. Click the dark blue box marked “Community Resources” on our homepage. This also includes a link to the Charles County health department that will provide real time updates on how our community is being affected, and other related information that will help during this time.

Where can I go to access the internet (work on a resume, apply for unemployment, pay my bills)?
Library locations remain closed to the public with the exception of our book drops. However, we do have free Wi-Fi available in all of our branch parking lots, no passwords required.