Here's how to pick up actual, real library books in Wake, Durham and Chapel Hill

Local libraries closed their doors to the public in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, offering virtual storytimes and programming, along with access to digital books. But, for many avid readers, those e-books aren't the same as holding an actual hardcover or paperback book in your hand.

Here's the good news. Starting this week, three local library systems are launching curbside services so you can check out actual books from the library. I wrote about Durham and Wake County's programs last week, but I wanted to pull them all together into one post.

Here's how to pick up actual, real library books in Wake, Durham and Chapel Hill.

Wake County Public Libraries Curbside Service

The Books on the Go service began June 15 at these eight libraries:

• Cameron Village Regional Library
• Cary Regional Library
• East Regional Library
• Middle Creek Community Library
• North Regional Library
• Northeast Regional Library
• Southeast Regional Library
• West Regional Library

Here's how it works ...

For people with books placed on reserve prior to the library’s closure, the library will contact you with instructions on how and where to pick up your books.

For people eager to get some books out from the library, Wake's online catalog will be open for customers to place reserves on books.

For people with books to return, participating libraries will also accept returns.

To collect your reserved books, you will receive an email notification from the library with instructions on making an appointment between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Durham County Library Curbside Service

Durham's Library Take-Out program started June 16. Now, Durham library patrons can log in to their account online or call 919-560-0103 to place a hold on books and audiovisual material for pickup at the library, according to the library. The phone line is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Library Take-Out will be available at North, East, South, and Southwest Regional Libraries, as well as Stanford L. Warren Branch Library, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Service will be available at Bragtown Branch Library from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

Here's how it works, according to the library:

• Once customers’ items are ready, they will be asked to set up a pickup time through the online reservation system or by calling 919-560-0103.
• Five items can be reserved per library card for each pickup.
• During customers’ 15 minute reservation time, their items will be in the library lobby.
• If a customer misses their reservation time, they will have 24 hours to reschedule.
• Customers will be asked to show their library card information or ID.
• As part of new safety measures, customers will be required to wear a cloth face covering in the lobby and wait their turn outside the library at least six feet apart. Only one customer will be allowed in the lobby at a time.

Chapel Hill Public Library Curbside Service

Starting this week, the library's curbside program has been expanded to include all library patrons.

According to its website, here's how it works:

• Holds are limited to 10 items at a time
• You'll receive an email when your materials are ready.
• You'll have seven days to get to the library and collect your items. You can just drive up and call 919-932-2942 to let library staff now you've arrived.
• Staff will bring materials to a table at the curb.

The service is not offered on Wednesdays when the library hosts food bank distributions.