We are so very excited to welcome folks back in the Library starting May 17! And we can’t wait for you to see all the wonderful building and service updates we’ve been working on.

Here’s a quick update on a convenient new service that we think folks will enjoy.

When you request that an item be held for you, we pull the items from our shelves or request them from other Maine libraries. Once they are ready to pick up, we let you know that they are here. Starting May 17, you will be able to pick up your requested items from our convenient self-service Holds Pick Up shelves. No more waiting in line at the checkout desk to get your items!

 Holds Pick Up Shelves

The Holds Pick Up shelves are located to the right of the checkout desk. Items are shelved alphabetically by patron last name. For your privacy, items are spine down and your email and telephone number have been removed from the hold slip. You may also opt out of self-service holds pick up and we can continue to place your items behind the desk.

Self-Checkout

Once you find your items, they still need to be checked out. We have three options for check out.

  • Self-check machines are located at each end of the checkout desk. You will need to bring your library card to use the self-check machines.
  • You can check out your items with your smartphone using the CloudLibrary app.
  • Or, you can take your items to the friendly staff at the checkout desk for a more personal touch.

If you decide to use one of our self-checkout options, here’s a quick tip. Curtis Library always puts our item barcodes on the front cover of our items. But sometimes it’s tricky finding the barcode on items that come from another library in the Minerva system. The most common placement of barcodes include the:

  • Outside front cover
  • Inside front cover
  • Inside back cover
  • Outside back cover (not the UPC – but one library puts theirs OVER the UPC, which might cause some confusion). Each barcode will have the owning library listed above it.

It’s the same with DVDs and audiobooks from other libraries. Barcode placement can be on the outside cover, the inside cover – and sometimes even underneath the DVD!

Opt Out

If you choose to opt out of self-service holds pick up, please call the Lending Services Desk at 725-5242. Select the option for curbside pickup to speak with a Lending Services team member. We will make a note in your account to file your holds behind the desk.

Welcome back! We can’t wait to see you again!