Update: New Checkout Procedures

The Library is now offering three safe, socially distant ways for patrons to check out their holds and other materials. Starting November 9, all patrons must check out items before leaving our branches, using either our staff-assisted process or express self-checkout stations, or the new NYPL app.

Bring your library card—download our mobile app—when you visit the library.

Learn More

Research Center Update

Please note that at this time, the Library’s research centers, including the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, will remain temporarily closed. 

Research services will continue to serve patrons virtually via at-home access to research databases, virtual reference, staff monitoring research requests, etc. More information here.

Policies & Procedures

This limited reopening is the first step in a careful, phased approach to reinstituting service at our physical libraries. To ensure the health and safety of the public and our staff, policies and procedures created in collaboration with safety experts must be followed.

At most grab-and-go locations, visitors:

  • Will be able to access a small area of the open branches to pick up holds placed online or on the phone.
  • Must check out their holds using one of the Library’s three socially distant checkout systems.
  • Can return materials in designated bins.
  • Can sign up for a library card or update their card’s status from digital-only to full borrowing privileges.
  • Must leave the library as soon as their pickups or returns are complete. Most grab-and-go locations do not allow browsing or computer use.
  • Must wear a mask.
  • Must maintain six feet of distance from staff and other patrons. This means that only a limited number of people will be allowed in the library at a time, and so patrons may have to wait in line outside until it is their turn to enter.

In addition, the Library is taking precautionary cleaning measures, as well as making a few accommodations for patron accounts, during this period of service:

  • Each open library will undergo enhanced cleaning protocols, and will have equipment such as sneeze guards installed, and all returned materials will be quarantined for 96 hours, as per expert recommendations.
  • Fines on all items (those checked out before closure and those checked out during this first phase of limited service) will not accrue until at least January 1, 2021.
  • New Yorkers issued digital library cards during closure must update their card type in order to check out physical materials. 
  • The Library will temporarily remove any fine-based blocks on patron accounts.

As we evaluate developing circumstances, additional branches will be opened, when it is deemed safe, for expanded services, including computers and browsing. We will also be prepared to walk back to a previous stage if that becomes necessary.