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Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the libraries be closed?

Book drops outside Lackawanna County libraries are now open for the return of borrowed material. We anticipate adding curbside pickup for books, DVDs and other items in the coming days. The libraries will remain closed, however, for the time being. We will continue to provide updates on our website and via the Live and Learn in Lackawanna e-newsletter.

What Library resources can I access while library locations are closed?

The Library System’s abundant digital offerings, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, research databases and the POWER Library resources, are available to you 24/7 with your library card. In addition, we offer many opportunities for eLearning. Build valuable job skills, learn a new language, support home-schooling efforts, and more – all from your personal device. Check our website to explore e-resources: https://lclshome.org/find/.

Can I check out eBooks and eAudiobooks while the library is closed?

Yes! Browse and search the Lackawanna County Library System’s collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks from the comfort of home and download selections to your device. Fiction, non-fiction, classics, and children’s books are available from OverDrive (Libby) and RB Digital.

What if my items are due during the closure? Will I accrue late fees?

You can now return your library collection items. Simply place the material in a return book drop outside any Lackawanna County library. Nothing will be considered overdue. No late fees will accrue on your account.

Can I drop off my materials in the library’s book drop?

Book drops are now open so you can start returning books, DVDs, and other materials that you borrowed from the library before they closed to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Simply place the material in the return book drop outside the building. The libraries will not be open. Nothing will be considered overdue so there will be no late fees imposed.

What if some of my holds are ready for pick up?

They will remain on the hold shelf for you and we will provide plenty of time to pick them up after we begin curbside pickup.

Will there be a summer reading program for kids this year?

There will be an eight-week reading program for the summer of 2020, but it will be conducted online due to ongoing restrictions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This year people of all ages, not just children, are invited to participate. Watch Live & Learn and lclshome.org for more details.

My library card is about to expire. How can I renew it?

Library cards with expiration dates between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020 have been automatically renewed. If your card expires after that date, you can renew it online at https://lclshome.org/renew-your-library-card/.

I have a question about my account or how to use the online resources. Is there anyone who can help me?

If you have any questions about your account or how to access digital resources, please use our Contact Us form or leave a voicemail on the library’s phone. (Phone numbers are shown on each Library’s home page.) We will respond to inquiries as soon as possible. However, please realize that your questions may not be immediately answered due to the closure.

Can I get a Library Card while the Library is closed?

Now is a great time to get a Library Card and you can sign up online. It’s completely free! You will be given a Library Card number which you can use immediately to access eBooks, eAudiobooks and all the other outstanding content available on our website. And when libraries reopen, you can start to enjoy the full benefits that come with a Library Card.

Reliable Information

Misinformation can be rampant during a crisis. In addition to the Lackawanna County Library System website, the following resources contain reliable information on COVID-19 coronavirus:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization
• Pennsylvania Department of Health
• Lackawanna County
• The Times-Tribune COVID-19 Complete Coverage

Keeping One Another Safe

We miss seeing you in our libraries!

We would prefer to be helping you find that perfect book to dive into or welcoming you in to participate in one of our daily programs or events. We understand how difficult this time is for many of you and for our community at large. Like you, we cannot wait until this ends.

However, this is the time we must come together, by staying apart. Collective action will help stem the tide of community spread. As Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine says, “Stay calm, stay home, stay safe.”