By David C. | 3/16/20
Screenshot from HCPHES Coronavirus Map

UPDATE: Tuesday, March 31, 2020 - 4:50 PM CST

Harris County Stay At Home / Work Safe Order Extended through April 30, 2020.

For the health and safety of our staff and customers, and in accordance with Harris County Judge Lena Hidalgo's Stay Home, Work Safe order, All Harris County Public Library branches will remain closed through Thursday, April 30, 2020.

No late fees will be assessed during the closure. If you have books or other items checked out, please hold on to them. There is no need to return them during the Stay Home, Work Safe period. Book drops will be locked for security reasons. Please do not leave items outside the library. 

Harris County Public Library will continue to offer a wide array of online services:

  • Download ebooks and audiobooks, stream movies, research and learn at www.hcpl.net
  • Attend an HCPL program or story time online through Facebook or YouTube 
  • Check your account to renew loans or request books 
  • eBooks, comics or graphic novels through OverDrive 
  • Stream classic films, indie cinema, and award-winning documentaries on Kanopy 
  • Listen to audiobooks through RBDigital or OverDrive 
  • Read along and play with picture books on TumbleBooks 
  • Ask us a question via chat on Ask a Librarian
  • Get book recommendations via Book Hunters

If you do not have an HCPL library card, you can get instant access to all HCPL's digital materials including ebooks, streaming movies and research tools with an iKnow Digital Access Card. Apply HERE

Lone Star College campuses, including LSC - CyFair Branch Library and LSC - Tomball Community Library are closed through Sunday, May 3. For more information about Lone Star College response, please visit the LSC Corona Virus webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions: Library Closure

I had holds ready for pick up when the library closed. Will I lose my place in the queue and have to place another hold?

No!  Your holds will be at your branch when it reopens to the public. In addition, you can place new holds online during the closure and they will be processed when libraries reopen.

I have books due. What should I do?

Stay safe. Please hold onto all items until libraries reopen. No late fees will be assessed during the time libraries are not open to the public. All due dates have been extended to May 1. Book Drops will be locked. Please DO NOT try to return items to the library. Do not leave items outside of the library. 

I don’t have an HCPL Library Card but would like to download eBooks and stream movies. Can I get one?

Yes! Apply for an HCPL iKnow Digital Access Card HERE

Then visit our Digital Media Page, to learn how to start reading and streaming and a whole lot more

The checkout period is 14 days with up to 2 renewals. See Borrowing FAQ for complete details

Can I place an Interlibrary Loan request during the time that the library is closed.

The Interlibrary Loan service has been suspended. We cannot take ILL requests until libraries reopen. 

I have an Interlibrary Loan book that is due. What should I do?

Please hold on to your ILL item until libraries reopen. You will not be assessed late fees. Book drops are locked for security reasons. Do not leave any items outside the library.

I have books I want to donate. Can I drop them off at the library?

We ask that you do not bring book donations to our branches. Please hold onto them until the library resumes full services.

Back to HCPL Blog

Comments

Submitted by Chandler.Husto… (not verified) on Mon, 03/16/2020 - 21:29 Permalink

I checked out a book from the La Porte branch....Is there an after-hours book return slot on the outside of the building?

Submitted by David C. on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 09:03 Permalink

Yes, there is a book drop. However, no overdue fines are being assessed during the building closure. 

Thank you for your question.

Submitted by patron_611592 on Mon, 03/16/2020 - 21:41 Permalink

These will be offered at the library that we request via the online hold system and during normal working hours? My only solace at this time is reading !
Submitted by David C. on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 10:49 Permalink

Yes, your holds will be available for pick up at your pick up location unless your library is one of the Lone Star College branches. Campuses are closed and libraries are not accessible. 

At all other HCPL branches curbside pick up is available Monday - Thursday 10 AM to 6 PM, Friday 1 PM to 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM

And yes, a lot of us are feeling the same way about reading. Thanks!

Submitted by David C. on Wed, 04/01/2020 - 15:23 Permalink

All at-library services have been suspended until April 30, 2020 in accordance with Harris County's Stay Home / Work Safe order.

Submitted by Ann P Liner (not verified) on Tue, 03/17/2020 - 09:02 Permalink

I have two questions. First off, I primarily use the library at Cy-Fair College. Is this library still closed? I also have books that need to be returned, they are due this week. How are you handling returns?

Ann Liner

Submitted by David C. on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 10:31 Permalink

Yes. Lone Star College campuses are currently closed. The libraries are not accessible They are scheduled to reopen, Monday, April 6.  All late fees have been waived for the time

LSC-CyFair campus is now scheduled to reopen Monday, April 6. Until then customers may return checked out items to other close by HCPL locations. Below are the nearest branches.

Customers unable to return items to one of these alternate locations may hold onto the items and return them when the branch reopens. Information regarding the library's reopening will be shared as it becomes available. Any fines that accrue for the period of the branch's closure will be forgiven.

For more information about Lone Star College response, please visit the LSC Corona Virus webpage.

Thank you for your question. Stay safe!

Submitted by patron_362999 on Tue, 03/17/2020 - 11:23 Permalink

So if we don't pick up items that are on hold, will we lose them and have to request them all over again?
Submitted by David C. on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 10:18 Permalink

No! People who wish to pick up holds have the option to schedule an appointment to pick them up, but if you prefer not to, your holds will be at your branch when it reopens to the public.

I hope this eases your worries. Thanks for the question!

Submitted by David C. on Wed, 04/01/2020 - 15:28 Permalink

Yes, when we reopen, you will hear about it. All branches are scheduled to reopen April 30, 2020, but, as you know, that is subject to change if conditions do not improve.

The holds will be there when we reopen and you will have one week to pick them up.

Submitted by B. Vaughn (not verified) on Tue, 03/17/2020 - 11:53 Permalink

I have a book on hold at the Tomball Library. I've called but still getting a recording advising that they're closed. According to the limited library services available mentioned above, they should be open correct? Please advise. Thank you.

Submitted by David C. on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 10:10 Permalink

Lone Star College campuses are currently closed. They are scheduled to reopen, Monday, April 6. Until campuses reopen, curbside pick up and other services that require library staff will not be available at LSC-CyFair Branch Library and LSC-Tomball Community Library. For more information about Lone Star College response, please visit the LSC Corona Virus webpage.

All holds available for pick up when the library closed, will remain there and be available when the library reopens. New holds placed by Tomball library customers will be rerouted to Northwest Branch Library

Thank you and stay safe!

Submitted by RaDonna Gideon (not verified) on Tue, 03/17/2020 - 13:45 Permalink

It’s been several years since I used my library card. None of my information has changed except phone number. I do not recall having a PIN number. How do I find out if I have/ need to get a PIN?

Submitted by Bob Hoffman (not verified) on Tue, 03/17/2020 - 15:32 Permalink

I see you will offer curbside service. How do I perform this on Saturday when picking up books? Do I simply pull into the parking lot and notify an attendant with my library card? Or will library workers set up tables on the porch area? Please explain more in detail.

Submitted by David C. on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 09:56 Permalink

Good question! Here is the procedure:

  • When you receive notification that your holds are ready for pick up
  • Call your pick up location to set an appointment for pick up. (branch phone numbers)
  • Please have your library number and PIN ready.
  • You will be given a time you can pick up your holds.
  • When you arrive at the library, remain in your vehicle and call the library.
  • Pop your trunk open, so we can place your items inside.
  • You will be asked to show your library card for verification.
  • Library staff will bring your books to your vehicle.

If you do not have a cell phone, let your branch know when you call to set your appointment. They will give you the procedure to safely pick up your holds.

NOTE: Because Lone Star College campuses are closed to the public, curbside pick up is not available at LSC-CyFair and LSC-Tomball libraries.

Submitted by David C. on Mon, 03/23/2020 - 08:45 Permalink

Good question!

When you call to set an appointment to pick up your items, let library staff know your situation, they will let you know the procedure for safely picking up your holds.

Submitted by Robert Woodford (not verified) on Tue, 03/17/2020 - 16:28 Permalink

What changes are there to the ILL program? If I can pick up expected books/videos as with other holds, should I return checked-out ILL items at the same time?

Submitted by David C. on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 09:42 Permalink

Good question! During the closure period only, we ask that you return items to the library from which you borrowed them using the book drop. 

Thanks for asking!

Submitted by Pat Fancher (not verified) on Wed, 03/18/2020 - 09:24 Permalink

How will this affect tax preparation Fromm AARP. Will AARP extend there service to later date dates

Submitted by David C. on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 09:12 Permalink

The IRS has officially extended the filing deadline to July 15: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/payment-deadline-extended-to-july-15-2020

HCPL branches are currently scheduled to reopen April 1. We would hope that AARP Tax Aide would resume its normal schedule, but we do not have definitive information to that effect. We will update information as it becomes available. 

Thank you for your question. Stay safe.

Submitted by William Greene (not verified) on Fri, 03/20/2020 - 02:10 Permalink

How does curbside pick up work?
When you receive notification that your holds are ready for pick up
Call your pick up location. (branch phone numbers)
Please have your library number and PIN ready.
You will be given a time you can pick up your holds.
When you arrive at the library, remain in your vehicle and call the library. <----------------------------------

I do not own a cell phone, so how does this procedure work with me?

Submitted by Louis james (not verified) on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 11:14 Permalink

All access is blocked when will curbside start ? Getting books now is helpful. Restaurants r doing this why not the library ? Thanks

Submitted by David C. on Sun, 03/22/2020 - 08:38 Permalink

The entire Lone Star College campus is closed. Library staff does not have access to the building so they cannot offer curbside pick up.  The good news is that any new holds that are being placed by CyFair Library customers are being routed to the Katherine Tyra Branch Library @ Bear Creek. Holds that were ready for pick up when the library closed will still be there when it reopens. Bear Creek is a little farther drive, but it's the best we can offer until the library can reopen. LSC has announced that campuses will reopen April 6. 

Submitted by David C. on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 11:30 Permalink

The entire Lone Star College campus is closed. Library staff does not have access to the building so they cannot offer curbside pick up.  The good news is that any new holds that are being placed by CyFair Library customers are being routed to the Katherine Tyra Branch Library @ Bear Creek. Holds that were ready for pick up when the library closed will still be there when it reopens. Bear Creek is a little farther drive, but it's the best we can offer until the library can reopen. LSC has announced that campuses will reopen April 6. 

Submitted by Dianne S (not verified) on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 20:43 Permalink

It is not clear to me whether the buildings are only closed during the "transition", or after 4/1, as well. I am in need of internet access, as well as use of Excel

Submitted by David C. on Sun, 03/22/2020 - 08:35 Permalink

We understand your frustration. As of now (Sunday, March 22), HCPL branches are scheduled to reopen to the public on April 1. But, as you know, the situation is extremely fluid and the Covid-19 threat real. Our top priority is to keep our staff and our customers safe. If Harris County and HCPL leadership believe that we can do that on April 1, the branches will reopen. I wish I could give you a more definitive answer.

Thank you for reaching out to us. Stay safe.

Submitted by Karen Hurst (not verified) on Sat, 03/28/2020 - 14:02 Permalink

Want to get a new library card

Submitted by David C. on Mon, 03/30/2020 - 08:32 Permalink

As it says in the FAQ above, you can get an iKnow Digital Access Card so that you can use all of HCPL's online content. 

Apply for an HCPL iKnow Digital Access Card HERE

Then visit our Digital Media Page, to learn how to start reading and streaming and a whole lot more

The checkout period is 14 days with up to 2 renewals. See Borrowing FAQ for complete details

Thanks for writing to us!

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