Curbside Pickup Service

Curbside pickup of library holds and requested items is now available to patrons in good standing (no overdue items or fines) at both library locations during normal operating hours.

Here's how to use curbside pickup: 

Step 1: Find books, DVDs, audiobooks, playaways, and magazines you wish to borrow by browsing our online catalog.   

Step 2: Call your preferred pickup location or email us at info@natlib.org to request items. 

Step 3: Make your way to the library but remember:

• The holds list is pulled daily. If you place a hold on an item and would like to pick it up the same day, please give us a call.      
• Requests take a minimum of one hour to process. 

Step 4: Once at the library, park in the designated "Curbside Pickup" spot.

Step 5: Call the number listed on the pickup sign to let us know you've arrived.  

Step 6: Library staff will bring your materials out to you! 

Curbside FAQ

Who can use the Curbside Pickup Service?

All community members are welcome to use curbside pickup so long as they have a Natchitoches Parish Library card in good standing (no overdue items or fines). If you do not have a library card, you can visit either library location during normal operating hours or register online.

How long will it take for my items to be ready?

As always, we can't provide estimates due to numerous variables such as if other patrons have requested the same items or where the items are in their quarantine phase. After library staff have aknowledged receipt of your request, we will immediately begin working to fill it. Although our goal is to fill curbside pickup requests as quickly as possible, a minimum of one hour for processing should be expected. Please know that placing an item on hold does not automatically make it available for curbside pickup. Library staff pull the holds list once each day. If you place a hold on an item and would like to pick it up the same day, please give us a call. 

Can I return items via curbside pickup?

Yes & no! If you are picking up items via curbside, staff will be glad to take returned items for you; however, if you just need to return items, both library locations feature drop boxes accessible from the outside of the building. 

Can I call a library branch to see if library items are available, or do I need to place items on hold first?

Either is fine! You may call either library location to see if items are available. If items are on the shelf, library staff will pull them and have them ready for you when you arrive for curbside pickup. Please know that requests take a minimum of one hour to process. You may also place holds online through our online catalog. Just remember: library staff pull the holds list once each day. If you place a hold on an item and would like to pick it up the same day, please give us a call. 

I received a notification that my hold is available. How long do I have to pick up my holds?

Items will be held for 3 days after notification. Please plan on picking up your items during this time.

Are mobile hotspots (wifi devices) available for curbside pickup?

No. Mobile hotspots (wifi devices) are not available for curbside pickup. 

Are checkout periods extended for curbside pickup items?

No. Items checked out through curbside pickup follow normal checkout periods.

Can I pay fines through curbside pickup?

No. Fines may not be paid through curbside pickup; fines must be paid inside the library. 

Can someone else pick up my items for me?

Items will be checked out to the cardholder’s library account and that cardholder has responsibility for those items. If you cannot pick up the items yourself, please call the library and make arrangements with staff. You will need to provide the library with the identity of the individual who will be picking up your items to ensure that the items are given to the proper person. That individual will still need to follow the steps for picking up items at curbside. 

Can I apply for a library card through curbside pickup?

No. Curbside pickup is only for delivering physical library items to patrons. If you do not have a library card, you can visit either library location during normal operating hours or register online.  

I need to make a copy or fax a document. Can you do that for me through curbside pickup?

No. Curbside pickup is only for picking up library items. If you need to make copies or send a fax, please visit either library location.