The Sandy and Hoodland Library branches shut their doors on Monday, March
16 due to the coronavirus pandemic, cutting off the communities from the
services they provide.

But things got a little better on Monday, April 13, when the Sandy branch
started offering take-out services (curbside delivery of items on hold) on a
reservation basis.

“They were super excited to get curbside service,” said Sarah McIntyre,
Library Director of the Sandy and Hoodland Public Libraries, about the library
patrons.

McIntyre added that while they are trying to figure out a way for the Hoodland
branch to start a similar curbside service, Hoodland patrons are encouraged to
visit the Sandy Library until that happens.

To utilize the curbside service, patrons place items from the library on hold,
then can check their library account around 10 a.m. to see if the items have
arrived. If so, they should call the library at 503-668-5537 to schedule a time
for pick up (there are a limited number of pick up spots every 15 minutes).
Patrons are to arrive at their scheduled time and then call the library from
their vehicle, with their library card number handy. Staff will then take the
materials and place them on a table on the west side of the library, where the
patron can pick them up after the staff have safely returned to the library
building.

McIntyre noted that the biggest issue at this point is people showing up early
for their appointment.

“In the real world, it isn’t a problem,” she said. “But if you arrive early, you
have to wait until your appointment time to call.”

McIntyre added that the service should be of particular importance for people
who are outside the Sandy city limits and might not have good internet
service, limiting their ability to download or stream entertainment.

“Getting DVDs and books into their hands was really important to us,” she
said, adding that it has also been rewarding seeing parents get out stacks of
books to help their kids with distance learning while the schools are closed.
McIntyre also noted that while they expected to be overwhelmed, the early
days of the service have not been that way. She said they have yet to hit the
maximum number of appointments on a given day, 36, but that the staff did
already know what to expect from the people who have utilized the service.
“They’re voracious readers,” McIntyre said. “A lot of them watch a lot of
movies and TV on DVD.”

Meanwhile, there are also virtual programs available to patrons of the library,
including Facebook groups for children’s storytimes and a virtual book group,
which will meet online through the internet service Zoom. The book group’s
first meeting is expected to be on May 4 to discuss Jack London’s “The Call of
the Wild.” Contact the library to get a link for the meeting.

“We’re trying to keep people engaged and let them know the library is still
here for you,” McIntyre said. “Sandy and Hoodland are wonderful areas.
Honestly, we miss them.”

For more information, call the Sandy Library at 503-668-5537 or email
libraryassistants@ci.sandy.or.us.

Library phone hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday,
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on
Sunday. The Sandy Library is located at 38980 Proctor Blvd. in Sandy.
The Hoodland Public Library is located at 24525 E. Welches Road in Welches.
For information email hoodlandlibrary@ci.sandy.or.us or call 503-622-3460.