Reader Alert: L.E. Phillips Library to Start Pickup Service May 11

V1 Staff, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

You'll be back to browsing the stacks again soon (virtually, at least).
You'll be back to browsing the stacks again soon (virtually, at least).

Are you stuck reading the same books you were before the pandemic hit? If you’re a patron of the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire, now you’re in luck: The library announced Friday that it will begin a library pickup service on Monday, May 11.

As part of his extension of the statewide “Safer at Home” order on April 16, Gov. Tony Ever altered the rules surrounding how some businesses and institutions could operate. Among the changes was allowing public libraries to offer curbside pickup of books and other materials. Since that time, the library staff has been developing procedures for safely getting books into the hands of customers.

According to a press release, the library is now testing its process by individually contacting people who had items on hold when coronavirus pandemic forced the library to close in March. The full pickup service is expected to be in operation by May 11.

Meanwhile, the library itself will remain closed to the public through at least May 26, when the current “Safer at Home” order is scheduled to expire. Book drops remain closed until further notice as well. Learn more online on the library’s announcements website

Here are the full details of the pickup service:

L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library to Begin Pickup Service May 11

After a week of careful planning, the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library is getting set to begin Library Pickup Service on Monday, May 11. Staff has created guidelines for this special service in accordance with Wisconsin’s Safer at Home order, and the City of Eau Claire’s Risk Management team has approved the plan.

The library is currently testing pickup and drop off procedures by individually contacting customers who had items on hold when the library closed in March. Library staff asks that customers remain patient during this testing period. Staff is contacting people alphabetically by last name. Book drops remain closed, until further notice.

Library staff working the pickup service are following recommended guidelines, which include wearing masks and gloves, proper handwashing, and sanitizing work spaces and equipment.

Library Pickup Service is intended only for people who feel well and are not experiencing any symptoms of illness.

The library will release more information on specific pickup procedures prior to May 11.

For more information call 715-839-5004 or email the library at librarian@eauclaire.lib.wi.us. To learn more about library programs, check the library website at www.ecpubliclibrary.info.