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More than 143,000 books reserved through Wake libraries' Books on the Go service; two new locations added

On Monday, the county announced that more than 143,000 reserves on books and other materials were placed in the first month and that it's adding two new locations.

Posted 2020-07-20T20:04:16+00:00 - Updated 2020-07-21T01:04:00+00:00

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

, Go Ask Mom editor

Wake County Public Libraries' Books on the Go curbside service is proving popular. On Monday, the county announced that more than 143,000 reserves on books and other materials were placed in its first month and that it's adding two new locations.

“We are thrilled with the success of the Books on the Go program, and we’re excited to offer additional opportunities for people to take advantage of it,” said Ann Burlingame, deputy director of Wake County Public Libraries, in a press release. “Even during these challenging times, the library is here to instill the love of reading and to foster the pursuit of knowledge in all of our residents.”

Wake County closed libraries down in March because of the pandemic and launched the curbside service on June 15.

Here's how it works:

Go to Wake's online catalog and place reserve on the books you want to check out. You'll need a Wake County library card to request the books. You can register for a card online.

When the books are available, the library will email you instructions on how to pick them up. You'll have the chance to select when you want to pick up your books and the library location where you want to get them. Appointment times take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays, and you have 10 days to get them.

At my house, we have been regular users of the Books to Go service. My younger daughter, in particular, has reserved about 20 books in the last month. I get notices each time a book is available to pick up and usually wait a few days before I sign up for my pickup slot, so I know there are several waiting for her. You only need to schedule one appointment if you get multiple emails that individual books are ready for you.

I pick up our books from Cameron Village Regional Library. There, books are packaged in brown paper bags and are waiting in a covered entryway. I always wear a mask when I pick them up and will sometimes wait outside if there are a couple of people already inside, so they have more space. It's a quick and easy process.

Wake County opened Books on the Go with eight pickup locations: