With the closure of library locations, adult learners had to put their literacy goals on hold, Census promotion halted and Summer Reading had to be redesigned. The solution: redeploy staff from all divisions to assist with curbside service. Working with various city departments to ensure staff and customer safety was key, not only in terms of COVID-19 protocols involving enhanced cleaning and PPE, but also in traffic control in library parking lots. The success of curbside service can be attributed to this team effort.

The curbside infrastructure enabled the Library and Cultural Arts team to not only deliver library materials and Summer Reading rewards, but support the adult literacy program as tutors and learners were able to pick up their workbooks as well as free books as part of our Build Your Home Library initiative, funded by a state grant. In addition, this model continued our partnerships with the Census organization and Election Services Division of the San Diego County Registrar of Voters.

All city staff came together to successfully stand up curbside service. Safety assessments, legal advice, facility changes and communication spearheaded by our proactive city manager were part of this effort. Patrons checked out over 50,000 items in less than three months. Curbside delivery of Summer Reading rewards encouraged the community to keep reading. Census workers reached people ensuring more accurate results and being ready to accept mail ballot drop off for four weeks will be vital to the democratic process.