Getting the Word Out

Once we had a definite date for closing and reopening, our Marketing and Graphics departments kicked into gear. Flyers were created to handout to customers the last week or so that we were open. They included a map, directions to the new building, information about limited service at the drive-up window, and the date of reopening. These flyers will also be kept outside the door while we're closed so customers can take a copy with them if they need the map.

A sign was created to put in front of the old building saying 'This library is closed. Your new library will open in __ days.' Branch staff are in charge of changing the numbers on the sign indicating how many days until the new branch opens. The new branch's gable sign at the road will also have a countdown of the number of days until it opens; Facilities staff will change it until branch staff are working in the new building.

Our PR specialist has been in touch with all the local papers, some of whom did interviews with staff and took pictures of the new building. Here's one example:
http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/community/7118/mansion-books/

Staff who worked this last day at the old branch reported that it was incredibly busy from 9am until closing. Several people mentioned seeing articles in the papers. Some people came to share memories, say goodbye to the old building, and some, to see it for the first time!

Limited Service While We're Closed

Full service at the old branch ended today at 5:30. Next week we'll still be in the old building boxing everything, working 9-5 only. We will be letting customers return materials in our drop box. If they have a hold to pick up, they can ring a buzzer on the door. We'll come get their library card, check out their hold, and bring it back to the door for them. For that week, we'll also put our tax forms rack in the vestibule so people can still access them. We're even delivering a few boxes of MD tax forms to the local senior center. We offered them a wider selection of forms, but they didn't have the space for them.

On Tuesday, February 10, we'll open the drive-up window at our new building, again 9-5 only. From this point on, branch staff will be working in the new building, unboxing and shelving. Customers will be able to pick up their holds and return material at the drive-up window. We're even going to have a few basic tax forms available there. Around the middle of this past week, one of our assistant directors put out a memo to all staff about the closing of Perry Hall and explaining about the drive-up window as a hold pickup point. As of Thursday, January 29, the drive-up had been activated for this.

Limited service is not as much of a problem for our customers as it might be for some other branches in the county. We have 2 other branches within 10 minutes of our branch, and our customers often used those branches in the past anyway.