Contra Costa Library Announces Self-Service Sundays Pilot Program: What To Know

Press release from the Contra Costa County Public Library:

CONCORD, CA — The Contra Costa County Library is piloting a new program designed to give patrons access to the Concord Library on Sundays when the branch is normally closed. Patrons who sign up for the service in advance will be able to enter the Concord Library between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sundays beginning Dec. 1. There will not be any staff on site, but two security guards will be present to ensure that only patrons who have signed up for the service are entering the library.

Patrons can browse the collection and check out books, return items, pick up holds, connect to Wi-Fi, and use the space for studying or reading.

“We know our patrons would like the libraries to be open more especially on Sundays,” said County Librarian Alison McKee. “We don’t have the budget to staff the libraries on Sundays, but this pilot offers an alternative solution that, if successful, could expand to other branches in the future.”

“The Library is such an important resource in our communities,” said District IV Supervisor Ken Carlson. “Having self-service hours on Sundays will give more people the opportunity to use libraries more often.”

To sign up for the service, patrons must have a library card in good standing, a valid ID, attend an in-person orientation, and sign the user agreement. Approved patrons will scan their library card at the door and use a unique PIN code to enter.

The Library will assess the pilot program after six months and consider expansion.

“We are very excited to have a pilot program on Sundays that rewards our residents with self-service, which goes with our spirit of being in concordance with one another to build a community with trust and cooperation," said Concord Mayor Edi Birsan.

Services not available will include computers, printing, scanning, and photocopying, restrooms, LINK+ pickups, and returns, use of the community meeting room, and the Friends bookstore.

The first open Sunday will be December 1, but patrons must sign up for the service in advance. Sign-ups are available now. To get started visit, ccclib.org/self-service-sundays.

This press release was produced by the Contra Costa County Public Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.