Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson
Curbside service at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest has resumed as of Monday, June 1, 2020. From books to hotspots, patrons will once again have access to the library’s physical collection of more than 98,000 items. All patrons with a current Jefferson County Library Cooperative card may reserve materials online or by calling the library. Detailed instructions and links to reserve materials are available at https://vestavialibrary.org/curbside-pickup. Patrons can also reserve a pick-up appointment time online.
Once a reservation is submitted, library staff will pull the items from the shelves, check out materials to the patron’s library card, and bag and label the items for curbside pickup. The materials will then be placed in the designated area under the library portico for pickup. In most cases, materials will be ready for pickup within 24 hours. This service is available daily Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To reduce wait times, patrons can schedule a time for pickup by calling 205-978-0155, extension 2.
“We are super-excited to once again offer print and media materials to our valued patrons,” said library director Taneisha Tucker. “Due to the threat of COVID-19 and the desire to protect everyone, we temporarily closed our doors, but online services have been available nonstop. Patrons have access to library treasures through Hoopla, Kanopy, Libby, Overdrive and more. We recently added Creative Bug, Niche Academy and Universal Class to our list of online offerings. Each of these new and innovative databases provides access to unlimited creativity, educational instruction and entertainment.”
The library’s annual summer reading program, for all ages, began in late May and will continue through early August. All programs are available online only this year. “Imagine Your Story” via the library’s website, Facebook and YouTube channels. Programming is also taking place via Zoom and Discord so that participants can interact with library staff in real time, including books clubs, open gaming, scavenger hunts, writing groups and more. There is also a newly created blog page on the library website where you can read movie reviews, learn a new craft and more at any time, day or night.
The Library in the Forest is working in concert with the city, Library Board of Trustees and Jefferson County Library Cooperative (JCLC) to reopen with the assurance that the library is once again a safe and thriving community place.
Submitted by Cinnamon McCulley.