MASSENA – The Massena Public Library began offering “curbside” service Tuesday, now that the library building is closed to patrons due to the Coronavirus.

Librarian Debbie Fuering said there were already 24 requests for curbside pickup of library books and movies since starting yesterday. The books and movies are put in plastic bags, labeled with the patron’s name and put outside at the side door. Books are sanitized by library staff when returned. A bin is at the front door for returns, and there will be no late fines.

“Library staff will continue to work, and we encourage our patrons to take advantage of our ‘curbside’ service.” To use this service, please call the library Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., let us know what books, DVD’s, talking books you’d like to receive, we’ll check out your materials to you and will call you when they’re available for pick up,” says their Facebook page.

“You may also place a hold for Massena Public Library materials at NCLS.org, or at massenapubliclibrary.org. We will fill the hold and call you when your item(s) is available for pickup. Do not place a hold on materials from other libraries as all holds from member libraries has been suspended.”

Also, storytime videos will be posted every Tuesday morning by 10 a.m. “Come learn and play while following along with finger plays, rhymes, and stories,” said the library’s Facebook post.

The library also said library fines are now suspended and will not accrue.

“Library staff are working diligently to provide services to our patrons during this difficult time. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for information or help obtaining library resources,” it also posted online.