At the library: Patrons sound off on new service

By LeAnn Kunz

Being a librarian requires adaptability. To us, change is a challenge that we take on with student determination. During this pandemic, we created a brand-new service at the Washington Public Library in order to adapt, a service that will likely continue in some format forever. Contactless Curbside Pickup has been good for us. As librarians we have honed our research, marketing, and customer service skills to make sure our patrons continue to get the library services they need. We are so thankful for the over 30 comments we have gotten for our Curbside Quotes. Here are a few:

'WPL has gone out of the way to find books I'd like as well as ones I requested. If I suggested a genre they did their best to choose a good one. It made my summer so much nicer!”

'Never been disappointed. Once or twice there's been one I have already read, but so fun for the surprise package!”

'Curbside pickup? What a great idea! I truly miss the staff at our library. I guess a smile and a wave at the window will have to do for now. Thank you for all you do.”

'This has kept me in reading material! I am very grateful for the service-with a smile!”

'So wonderful to have a big pile of new books again. Thanks so much!”

'This is a very nice service. I often call in the morning and pick up the book the same day. Everyone is very cheery and helpful. Thanks!”

'Thank you to the library staff for their efficient, no-contact curbside service during this pandemic.”

'Faced with virus odds they came through with curbside and staff efficiency.”

'This has been a Life Saver to be able to pick up books outside. Thanks for making this possible.”

'Washington is fortunate to have such a great library. You called when my book was available and got it to me with curbside pickup, using all the precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Thank you.”

'I enjoy the curbside program very much. The librarians are accommodating and helpful.”

'The library staff has been outstanding making sure patrons receive the attention and materials as requested.”

'I love curbside service. It's been a lifesaver this year. The librarians are so helpful. If I ask for one book in a series, they will ask if I want the others, too!”

'The librarians give great recommendations and the service is friendly and quick. Thank you for helping our family's reading habit thrive!”

'I love this and so far I've really liked the books you have picked for me.”

'WPL has been great in its efforts to serve the community at this time. Curbside works fine and is easy to do! Thanks, WPL!”

'Thank you for all you do during this Covid 19 virus, especially keeping the library going so we can keep reading the books we enjoy. We appreciate all you do.”

'I was late picking up my book on a Saturday. Thank you for coming to the door with my book. I appreciate your kindness.”

'Curbside has been great! Thank you for the extra effort to keep two senior citizens able to enjoy reading during our ‘stay home' days!”

'Thank you for providing me the opportunity to continue to read books written by my favorite authors. The library staff have gone out of their way to be accommodating and helpful during the past months. The curbside process has been a success! Thank you!”

'I had not been to the library since February. It was good to get back to books I like. The person I talked to called back to ask if there was a certain author I liked. Very thoughtful.”

'I could not have survived without the library and staff these past months. Thank you all!”