Our Safe Reopening
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 only book return and hold pickup are available at our libraries. Meeting rooms, computers, and other in-person physical services are not currently available. Currently our services include:
- Grab-and-go and drive-through holds pickup
- Our digital library, including ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines
- Virtual events and galleries
- Digital library cards
- Telephone and email reference
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 seven days before they are again available to check out.
Material Pickup and Returns
Washoe County Library offers limited grab-and-go or drive-up hold pickup at eight locations. Visit our schedule and hours page to see all the drive-up and grab-and-go 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 Sparks or 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 and Summer Reading Prize Packs
During drive-up and grab-and-go hold pickup, you may also check out a "Surprise Selection" or collect your Summer Reading Adventure prize pack. 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!
- During hold pick up hours, you can also pick up a "surprise selection" during hold pickup.
- If you completed the 2020 Summer Reading Adventure, you can pick up your prize pack. Get all of the details about your prize pack and book voucher here
