COVID-19/Pandemic Reopening

York County Libraries will expand in-library services at most locations starting Monday, August 31st. Members will be able to browse children, teen, and adult library collections, use copy/fax services, make in-library payments, and rent DVDs and Hotspots.

Not yet. We are gradually adding services. We are carefully following the directives and regulations of the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, the Governor, the Pennsylvania Health Department and CDC. The health and safety of our staff and members is our top priority, so we are moving forward with care and precautionary measures.

Most libraries are continuing to operate with reduced hours to allow time for thorough cleaning and disinfecting, quarantining of returned materials, processing of holds, and social distancing measures. Hours are subject to change, so the best place to find the current hours is open.yorklibraries.org.

Yes, we are following state mandates. Members must wear an appropriate fitting mask that covers the nose and mouth the entire time while in the library. Appropriate face coverings include masks, bandanas, scarves, and face shields.

Our staff can provide you with alternative curbside or online services to meet your needs. Talk with your library’s director or circulation desk staff to find the best option for you.

The Institute for Museum and Library Services and the Northeast Document Conservation Center recommend quarantining returned books prior to loaning them to other members. We are quarantining materials for a minimum of 72 hours after their return. If you would like additional assurance, you can quarantine them at home prior to your use.

Not yet, as we are continuing to follow low-touch and quarantine protocols for everyone’s safety. Please return them to the library’s book drop or designated cart or bin.

We have changed the way we are quarantining materials. You might notice that returned items will stay on your record for 10 days. Any fines accrued during this quarantine period will be reversed.

Yes, with our increase in service offerings, DVDs are now available for checkout. Please note that after you return DVDs, they will stay on your record for ten days as part of the new way we are quarantining materials. Our staff adjust your account at check-in to reflect your actual return date. Any fees accrued during the quarantine period will be reversed.

New titles by popular authors are arriving regularly. Find out what’s new or on order by signing up for the free Wowbrary newsletter or searching our catalog. Then, place your holds for some new reads!

We have temporarily increased the loan period from three to four weeks to assure that you have ample time to enjoy your books.

Yes. Our amnesty period has ended. As of Monday, August 31st, late fees will start to accrue for materials that are overdue. Fines can be paid online or at the library circulation desk.

Lobby and Curbside pickup will continue to be available at most York County Libraries. Here is how it works:


1. On the YCL website, use your account to place a hold on the library books or audiobooks that you would like to borrow. Be sure to select the library location where you would like to pick up the items.
2. The library will notify you when your items are ready for pickup.
3. Follow your library’s instructions for lobby or curbside pickup.
***You can have up to 10 holds at a time on your library card.

Just a reminder... some books will come in earlier than others based on their availability so you may be picking them up at different times.

Your holds notification will indicate which items you are picking up.

We are not holding any in-library programs. For everyone’s health and safety, we are providing a variety of library programs online. Check out the YCL events calendar for details.

Our youth services staff offers regular story time programs for babies, toddlers and preschool-age children online. New this fall is Sensory Story Time. Search the YCL events calendar for dates and times.

Many library locations are offering book bundles that you can grab and go. Check with your library about availability.

York County Libraries are not currently accepting book donations and holding regular book sales. However, a few Library Friends Groups are starting to collect books to hold small pop-up sales. Check your library for details.

During this time, our Friends’ fundraisers at several libraries have been canceled or postponed. Please help make up for this large drop in income. Our work continues and will be needed long after this crisis is behind us. A gift of any size can make a difference. Please consider helping today at donate.yorklibraries.org.