Wicomico libraries reopening Oct. 13 by appointment only, adding delivery service

WICOMICO CO., Md. – After almost seven months of being closed to the public, Wicomico County Public Libraries are finally reopening for in person services on October 13th by appointment only.

“One of the hardest things is that face to face interaction that we’ve had to figure out,” says Bernadette Cannady, the Downtown Branch Manager. “You know the staff are missing the public and of course I know the public are missing coming into the building.”

Library officials say patrons will immediately notice extra signage adding the furniture has been rearranged to help with social distancing and Plexiglass is now installed at service desks. Additionally, anyone over the age of five will be required to wear a mask inside.

“We’ve made preparations just in case there’s a parent who has a little one who needs to come along with them so we have an area just for them that they can also come in to use the computer,” says Cannady.

Another change is that people won’t be able to browse for books like they normally would so staff will be helping with that service along with continuing to provide countless other resources like faxing, printing, notarizing, job searches and more. “Well the library is part of community education. It’s sort of a hub for the community. This is a place where everyone can come and the services are free,” says Cannady.

To schedule an appointment contact the proper branch: Centre Branch – 410-546-5397; Downtown Branch – 410-749-3612 ext 4; and Pittsville Branch – 410-835-2353.

They’ll continue to offer the Books To Go curbside option but they’re also launching a new Book Delivery service on October 19th using their Bookmobile. “There are some people that cannot get to the library whether it’s a physical reason or kids but their parents can’t bring them actually to this building or one of the branches and we make that easier for them,” says Beth Jarvis, the manager of the Bookmobile.

The book delivery service will be free and they will deliver books to any location in Wicomico County. Those books will be checked out for three weeks and they can be returned in person or if you order another book to be delivered, they can pick the old one up from you.

Officials say library patrons will be limited to 45 minute long visits at a time. Click here for a detailed FAQ about the changes at Wicomico County Public Libraries.

There are also reduced hours at each branch location to allow for disinfection:

• Centre Branch: Tuesday – Saturday, 11 AM to 3 PM
• Downtown Branch: Tuesday – Saturday, 1 PM to 5 PM
• Pittsville Branch: Tuesday – Saturday, 11 AM to 3 PM

You can also schedule a virtual reference appointment with a librarian. To do so, call the library’s main number 410-749-3612 ext. 127.

Their new virtual reference service is available for more “indepth” inquiries – for example (but not limited to): genealogical and other multifaceted research questions, readers’ advisory, one-on-one database instruction, just to name a few. To schedule an appointment for a virtual reference service, call 410-749-3612 ext 4.

The following services are resuming on a limited basis and you can use the contact information below for more information:

• Homework Help – call 410-749-3612 ext 125
• Job Search Center – call 410-749-3612 ext 4
• Legal Clinic – call 410-749-3612 ext 4
• Project READ – call 410-749-3612 ext 159