Our Safe Reopening
Library operations suspended until January 19.
Due to the increased spread of COVID-19 in our region, all Washoe County Library locations are suspending in-person services, including walk-up and drive-up hold pickup, until January 19, 2021.
Washoe County Library System is committed to a safe reopening that protects our patrons, staff, and community. We have begun a phased reopening, and at this time meeting rooms, computers, and other in-person physical services are not available. Currently our services include:
- Our digital library, including ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines
- Virtual events and galleries
- Digital library cards
- Telephone and email reference
- Walk-up and drive-through hold pickup services will resume on January 19, 2021.
Please contact us if you need assistance with any of our services. Assistance is available by email or telephone. You can read the full reopening plan here. See our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
For Your Safety
- Face coverings and temperature checks are required for all staff and visitors to Washoe County Libraries. If you do not have a face covering, we will provide you with one.
- Please bring your library card to minimize contact. If you need help accessing your account, please contact us. If you do not have a library card, you may register here.
- Returned items are quarantined for at least seven days before they are again available to check out.
Material Pickup and Returns
Washoe County Library offers limited walk-up or drive-up hold pickup at five locations. Visit our schedule and hours page to see all the drive-up and walk-up hours. Hold pickup lockers are also available at the Downtown Reno Library.
Book drops are now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at all locations except the Duncan/Traner, Verdi, and Senior Center libraries. Return your items only to book drops; staff are unable to personally accept returns. Please use the book drops to return library materials only. We are unable to accept donated items or read and share items in book returns. If an item is rejected by the automated material handler please hang on to it until you pick up your holds or we reopen.
- You will receive a notification when your hold is available. Due to quarantine issues, your hold may not be immediately available.
- If you have an item to pick up from South Valleys, pay special attention to the instructions in your hold confirmation email. You can also call the branch during their open hours to verify that the items have been released from quarantine.
Surprise Selections
During drive-up and walk-up hold pickup, you may also check out a "Surprise Selection." Offered for various ages and interests, Surprise Selections give you the opportunity to discover something unexpected from the library collection. You might just find a new favorite!