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The Andalusia Public Library will begin providing curbside service to its patrons this coming week.

The library was closed to the public on the afternoon of Wed., March 18, the same day that Alabama public schools ended in-person instruction. The APL has remained closed during Gov. Kay Ivey’s Stay at Home and Safer At Home orders.

“While we want to provide library services to our residents, out of an abundance of caution, we will not fully reopen the facility at this time,” Mayor Earl Johnson said. “After surveying how other libraries in Alabama are providing services, we asked our library director, Karin Taylor, to develop a similar plan. We think she’s come up with a good one.”

Taylor said that, effective immediately, library patrons who have an Andalusia Public Library card can go to the library’s website, http://www2.youseemore.com/andalusia/default.asp, and browse the collection or search for a specific book. Books can be reserved, and library personnel will notify patrons when their books are ready.

To make the online reservations, she said, patrons will need the bar code from their library cards. All PIN numbers are set to the local zip code, 36420.

Curbside pickup will be available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from noon until 3 p.m. Books will be left in plastic bags labeled for each patron.

Taylor said she also will take book reservations by phone. Patrons should call the library, weekdays, at 334-222-6612.

When patrons are ready to return books, Taylor said, they are asked to use the book return in the library parking lot.

“Due dates will automatically be extended, and we have waived late fees,” she said.

During this initial reopening, and out of concern for patrons and library employees, lobbies, restrooms, computer labs and other spaces, including the Dixon Room, will not be accessible.