ROCHELLE – For the first time since the stay-at-home order went into effect, Creston-Dement Public Library card holders will be able to check out their favorite books, DVDs, CDs and other items.

Beginning Monday, June 1, the library will begin offering curbside pick-up to all of its patrons. A complete list of items available to check out can be found online, through the PrairieCat Library catalog at www.prariecat.info and searching for the Creston-Dement Public Library.

Once an individual has decided what items he or she would like to check out, they can request the items for pick-up using one of three methods. Items can be requested directly through the PrarieCat website, by emailing the library at requestbookscdpl@gmail.com or via phone at 815-384-3111.

A staff member will be answering phone requests Monday through Friday from 12-5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. If nobody answers the phone, items can also be requested by leaving a voicemail. Once the requests have been made, patrons call the library when they are on the way.

“We go out wearing the proper masks and gloves for protection and load the items into either the back seat or trunk, however they would like us to do it,” said library director Kristi Scherer. 

Once the items need to be returned, it can be done by using the library drop box, knocking on the front door or calling the library. After the items have been returned, they are quarantined for seven days to protect both staff members and library patrons.  

The main goal for offering the pick-up service is to get books into the hands of patrons, especially kids now that they are out of school. The library is also planning a weekly story and craft time, beginning next Wednesday, June 3 at 11 a.m. 

“We are very happy and excited to offer services to our patrons once again,” Scherer said. “We are always looking for new ways to stay safe while staying interacting with our patrons, we really miss all of them.”