Frequently Asked Questions: Library Closure

When does Curbside Pick-up resume?

UPDATE: As of Tuesday, September 8, 2020, all HCPL branches, including LSC-CyFair Branch Library and LSC-Tomball Community Library, offer No-contact Curbside Holds Pick-Up.

How does Curbside Holds Pick-Up work?

Here's how it works:

When you receive notification that your holds are ready for pick-up, call your HCPL pick-up location (Branch phone numbers)

Please have your library card number and PIN handy.

You will be given a pick-up time and instructions for curbside pick-up (These may vary slightly from branch to branch).

When you arrive at the library, follow the instructions you were provided over the phone.

You may be asked to show your library card or other form of ID for verification

Note: Library staff will not be able to take your returns during curbside pick-up, please put them in the book drop.

For your safety and that of HCPL staff, curbside pick-up may be temporarily suspended during bad weather.

What are the hours for Curbside Holds Pick-Up?

Curbside Holds Pick-Up will be available at most HCPL locations

Monday - Thursday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday CLOSED

Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library @ Mercer Park curbside pick-up hours:

Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday CLOSED

LSC-CyFair Branch Library

Monday - Thursday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday - Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday CLOSED

LSC-Tomball Community Library

Monday - Thursday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday - Sunday CLOSED

My usual hold pick-up location is on a Lone Star College Campus. What happens to my holds?

UPDATE: 9/8/2020: While any holds that became available before the closures but had not yet been picked up will remain on the hold shelf for 7 library days after the libraries re-open for curbside pick-up service. During Lone Star College campuses extended closures, new holds were rerouted to nearby HCPL branches. As of September 8, 2020, holds for Lone Star College CyFair and Tomball libraries can be picked up at those locations. See hours of operation and procedures above.

Are library items safe?

UPDATE: As of September 8, 2020. the quarantine period for all items returned to HCPL branches is 7 days based on CDC guidelines and the latest REALM Project findings.

I returned items several days ago, but My Account says they are still checked out. Why?

UPDATE: Based on the latest findings, as of September 8, 2020, all items returned to HCPL branches will undergo an additional three days of quarantine. All items will now be isolated and held for 7 days before being returned to circulation. Because of the materials quarantine, reduced staff in branches, and a large backlog of returned items, your checkouts may remain on your account longer than you are accustomed to. Please, keep in mind, no late fees have been, nor will be, assessed during the library closures.

I am staying in a different part of the County because of Stay Home, Work Safe. Is there a way to change my holds pick-up location?

You can edit your preferred pick-up location to another HCPL branch so that you can take advantage of curbside pick-up when it resumes on Monday, June 15.

Instructions for changing your preferred pick-up location: (HCPL Locations)

Log in to www.hcpl.net using your library card number and PIN.

Click on the My Account button at the upper right

Select My Profile in the menu on the left of My Account page

Click on Preferences

Select your new preferred location from the Preferred pick-up library

Click on the Save changes button.

I had holds ready for pick up when the library closed. Will I lose my place in the queue and have to place another hold?

No! Your holds will be kept on the shelf at your branch for 7 days after the library begins curbside pick-up on June 15. In addition, you can place new holds online during the closure and they will be processed when libraries reopen.

I had items on hold when curbside pick-up service was postponed. What happens to those?

When the library resumes curbside holds pick-up, you will have 7 days to stop by and pick them up.

I have books due. What should I do?

Book drops are open at all HCPL branches except Lone Star College-CyFair Branch Library and Lone Star College-Tomball Community Library.

You can return all HCPL items to book drops at any branch no matter from which library they were checked out. Please do not leave library materials outside of the library.

No late charges will be charged during the library closures.

I don’t have an HCPL Library Card but would like to download eBooks and stream movies. Can I get one?

Yes! Apply for an HCPL iKnow Digital Access Card HERE

Then visit our Digital Media Page, to learn how to start reading and streaming and a whole lot more

The checkout period is 14 days with up to 2 renewals. See Borrowing FAQ for complete details

Can I place an Interlibrary Loan request during the time that the library is closed?

We are delighted to announce that you may place ILL requests starting Monday, June 22, 2020.

I have an Interlibrary Loan book that is due. What should I do?

Update: All HCPL branch libraries have now reopened their book drops. While under normal circumstances returning ILL items to book drops is not allowed, during the closures you may return ILL items using the book drop. You will not be assessed late fees for ILL items that came due during the closures.

I have books I want to donate. Can I drop them off at the library?

We ask that you do not bring book donations to our branches. Please hold onto them until the library resumes full services.