This post was last updated at 1:32 p.m. on July 31, 2020
Thank you for being patient as we navigated the new guidelines for public service. It’s been awhile, and we can’t wait to see you. Here’s what you can expect when using the library.
- Face coverings are required at all times.
- Furniture and computers have been spaced out to encourage social distancing.
- Hand sanitizer, antibacterial soap and wipes are readily available around the library.
- We have removed toys, games and puppets from the children’s library.
- There are no shared headphones. Bring your own, or purchase ear buds for $1.00 at the library.
- No food or drink allowed at anytime.
- We quarantine all returned, shipped, or handled items for 3 days.
- Bathrooms, highly used surfaces, and technology are sanitized regularly.
**Curbside pick-up remains a permanent service at the library. We are here to serve those that cannot or don’t feel comfortable being in a public space.
Thank you for your understanding as we all adapt to the new normal!
This post was last updated at 10:00 a.m. on July 17, 2020
- Getting items from other libraries will take longer then usual. We quarantine materials for 3 days upon arrival, for your safety.
This post was last updated at 8:36 a.m. on June 15, 2020
General guidelines:
- You may pick up holds only during pickup service hours. You do not need to call ahead or book an appointment. Please refer to the hold pick up notice for the deadline to pick up your items. After that date, your item(s) will be placed back on the shelves.
- Outdoor signage will be posted showing the designated parking area, and will include the library phone number. You will need to have a mobile device to call the library when you arrive.
- All holds will be put in a paper bag and be placed on a table outside of the building. Your bag will be labeled with your last name. Remain in your car until the staff member is safely in the library.
- Grab your bag and enjoy!
For more information on our our curbside and hours, visit our webpage.
This post was last updated at 4:58 p.m. on May 31, 2020
Allegheny County has entered into the Yellow/Green Phase. During these phases, libraries are now permitted to offer limited public services as long as we abide by the guidelines for health and safety set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Department of Education.
As you can imagine, although excited to be moving forward, there are many preparations that need to happen for county libraries to be ready to offer services safely.
Is the Library open?
No, the Baldwin Library building remains closed.
We are working with the other county libraries to reopen spaces with a safe, phased-in approach. We ask that you be patient as we work together as a country to be fully ready to serve you.
If you need to contact us, please email us at baldwin@einetwork.net
Beginning June 3, our phone lines will be open Monday – Friday, from 10-4 for questions. Call us at 412-885-2255
We also encourage you to go to our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on programs and services
Virtual Programs, eBooks and Online Resources
Our eLibrary is open 24/7!
We are also hosting virtual events regularly. Check our event calendar for more information on registration.
How do I get a Library Card?
- While we are temporarily closed, Allegheny County residents can apply online to get a library card.
- To support continued access to online resources during library closures, applicants under the age of 18 will be issued temporary cards. The expiration of temporary cards issued through this application will be extended through the end of 2020 while libraries remain closed.
Due dates for physical materials, or Will I be fined for overdue materials?
- Due dates for all physical materials have been extended to July 1, and will continue to be renewed until we reopen.
- Baldwin Library is a FINE FREE Library. Although we are taking precautions to ensure your items are not listed as overdue, you will not accrue any fines at any time.
How do I return materials?
Baldwin Library book drops will reopen on June 1.
- Please do not leave materials outside of the bookdrop. If the bookdrop is full, keep your items until you can safely return them inside the bookdrop. The library is not responsible for materials left outside the bookdrop.
- Return only library borrowed materials. We are not accepting donations.
- There will be a 3-day quarantine period before items can be checked in off your account. Remember, we are a FINE FREE Library. No worries.
- If there is illness in your home, please do not return any library items, until it is safe to do so, as per the PA Department of Health Guidelines.
What about my holds?
- In order to allow us to efficiently process the holds on physical materials we currently have, we suspended the ability to place new holds on physical items which will be in effect until further notice.
- Your current holds will not be affected and you will not lose your place in line. Holds that are currently on the holds shelves will have their pickup dates extended while we are closed. No one will lose their hold because our doors are closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Once libraries begin pick-up services, current holds already on our shelves will be processed and available for pick-up if possible. Holds from other libraries will not be available until our shipping department is at full-service. The ability to place new holds will be enabled soon thereafter.
- Help us manage our holds! In preparation for contact-less pick-up we need your help. Click here to learn how.
I have a question about my account? Is there anyone that can help me?
You can contact us, by at baldwin@einetwork.net
Beginning June 3, our phone lines will be open Monday – Friday, from 10-4 for questions. Call us at 412-885-2255
Contact-less pickup service
- Coming Soon! This service will depend on when our shipping department is at full service, and even then, wait times will be longer to allow for us to adhere to safety precautions. Stay tuned for more details.
When will the library reopen?
Allegheny County libraries are implementing a phased approach to public service. At this time, in the “yellow phase,” we are only preparing for services that are contact-less. Announcements will be made as we add more services.
Baldwin Library does not expect to open our doors to the public until Allegheny County has been safely in the green zone for a few weeks, to ensure that the safety and health of our staff and our community is protected.
We will bring back in-person services as it is safe to do so, and as we build our capacity to provide service in a new way that meets the Department of Health’s guidelines. This includes reconfiguring our facilities so that physical distancing is possible and putting measures in place to ensure safe handling of collections.
We miss you, but your health and safety is a priority to us. We look forward to seeing you soon.
