Newton Public Library entered Phase 1 of its reopening plan on Monday, May 18. Books, DVDs and other physical library items are circulating again, with a no-contact pickup procedure in place.

The library building, except the front lobby, remains closed to the public. Computers, copying, printing and faxing services are not available at this time. Thank you for your understanding as we work to provide library services while protecting the health of staff members and the public.

Due dates for items borrowed between Feb. 29 and May 18 have been extended through July 4.

Borrowing items with no-contact pickup

For patrons who borrowed physical items during NPL’s soft closure in mid-March, the procedure for borrowing items with no-contact pickup will be familiar:

• Instead of browsing the shelves, visit www.newtonplks.org and click on the “Search Catalog” button.

• In the upper right corner of the catalog menu, click “Log in.” Enter your library card number and 4-digit PIN in the provided fields.

• Use the catalog’s search function to find the titles you want. Each item’s listing has a “Place Request” button. Use “Place Request” to put your items on hold.

• Once your holds are placed, staff will retrieve your items. When your items are ready, you will be notified by email, text message or phone call.

• After receiving a notification, contact NPL to arrange a specific time for pickup in the front lobby (between the two sets of entrance doors).

• At the pre-arranged time, your items will be ready for you on the front lobby book cart, bagged and labeled with your name.

Staff are available to answer questions and facilitate front lobby pickup 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday; 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.; and 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Library staff can be reached via email (library@newtonplks.org), phone (316-283-2890), or Facebook message during those hours.

Patrons who would prefer not to use the website may simply call 316-283-2890 during staff hours. A staff member will be happy to assist with finding titles and making pickup arrangements.

Returning library materials

Patrons may return items either in a shopping cart located in the front lobby or in the exterior dropbox.

During hours the front lobby doors are open (see above), returns should be placed in the shopping cart. The exterior dropbox is open after hours.

To protect patrons’ health and safety, returned items will be quarantined for three days before being returned to circulation. This means waits for popular materials could be longer than usual.

Remember: Due dates for items borrowed after Feb. 29 have been extended through July 4, so you still have plenty of time to return your materials.