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(7/1/2020) Dear Chilmark Library patrons,

We miss you! All six island libraries have joined together in a phased plan to resume traditional library services with a focus on keeping us all safe and healthy. After 10 weeks of working from home to bring you more digital materials and online programming your library staff was allowed back in the building.

Our book drops are open, so you can return materials you held during the building shutdown.

We are fulfilling contactless holds. Here’s how it works: 

Placing Holds:

Placing holds is as easy as it’s ever been! There are four fast and easy ways to order library materials:

• Go online through the CLAMS catalog (*see tips below)
• Download and use the new Capira CLAMS app on your mobile device (Google Play, Apple App Store)
• Call (508) 645-3360 and leave a message with your request. Make sure you spell your full name and leave your library card number.
• Email chil_mail@clamsnet.org with your request. Make sure you include your full name and/or library card number.

*When searching the catalog, you will get the best results if you refine your search using the tools on the left of the screen by selecting “Availability > At a library” and “Collection > Chilmark Public Library” or “Collection > Chilmark – Children’s Collection“. This will ensure that you’re only viewing material that are on our shelves right now.

Available Materials:

We can only pull library materials that you’ve put on hold in advance. We cannot fill walk-up requests at this time. We look forward to having you return to the library to browse or ask for materials on the spot, but that will come later.

CLAMS delivery has resumed so you can request items that are owned by any library in our system. Items sent from other libraries must go through a quarantine period before we make them available. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

We are fulfilling holds for books, audiobooks, DVDs and blu-rays. Other items such as our Library of Things and some electronic equipment are not currently available.

Hold Notification & Pickup:

We will notify you via email or phone when your hold is ready. We will set up a day / time for pick up at the library so that we can prepare your hold prior to your arrival.

Hold pickup will be available from 1pm-4:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. If you are unable to pick up at a designated time, please let us know so other arrangements can be made. 

Same day holds must be placed by 11 am.

Please bring a photo ID or your library card. 

If you send someone else to pick up your holds, you must notify the library prior to their arrival.

Hold pickup location is the covered porch at the front of the library. Your materials will be in brown paper bags with the first four letters of your last name. 

Patrons who are coming to pick up materials must wear a face covering and practice appropriate social distancing. Please do not touch or handle materials addressed to other patrons. 

Please wait on the sidewalk or in your vehicle until the porch is clear of any other patrons. Only one person at a time is permitted on the porch. You will not have contact with staff – your materials will already be checked out and your receipt will be with your bag.

If you are physically unable to walk to the library’s entrance, please bring or send someone who can do it for you.

We miss seeing and catching up with you, but we are not allowed to have in-person conversations at this time. Please call us on the phone if you have questions. Hopefully someday soon we can catch up properly!

Returning Library Materials:

If you have materials to return, please use the exterior book drops located in front of the building. 

Please do not return library materials at the hold pickup area. We treat the return of library material seriously and must ensure proper safety protocols when handling returns. Staff will direct you to return them to the book drops.

All returned materials will be quarantined for 6 days before they are available to the community. That means it will take up to 9 days for materials you have returned to be removed from your account.

We have been fine free since January 2020, so you will not incur late fees now or ever.

Questions?

We understand that things are changing from week to week, so we’re keeping you informed through our website, newsletter and social media channels.

Still have questions? We’re always here to help! Please call us at (508) 645-3360 or email chil_mail@clamsnet.org with your inquiries or special requests.