Reopening Updates
COVID-19 Updates, FAQ & At-Home Resources
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Reopening Updates
All open library locations are now open to the public, including the 4th Floor Makerspace, Local History and Genealogy, The Studio, and U.S. Passports Acceptance Office.
Book Browsing
We are so excited to offer browsing again at our Main/Downtown, Northgate, Eastgate, and South Chattanooga locations. We do have a few guidelines to keep everyone safe:
- Wearing masks inside the building is encouraged.
- Social distance by using the pinwheels found on our floors.
- Leave all food or drinks outside.
- Unattended children under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
- Place items that you do not want to checkout on a return cart.
Studio and 4th Floor
The Studio and 4th Floor Makerspace are now open!
To schedule time in our Recording Studio, click here to fill out our Open Studio Application. Once we get it, you’ll receive an email with all the info you need before you come in. A current library card is required. For more information, visit The Studio page.
To visit our 4th Floor Makerspace, simply stop by any time during business hours. If you need to set up time with one of our Makerspace Specialists call 423-643-7753 or email 4thFloor@chattanooga.gov. One of our Specialists will get back to you as soon as possible. A current library card is required for a number of stations. For more information, visit the 4th Floor page.
Public Computer Access
Public computers are available for 45-minute sessions. These stations are set up with special equipment that will be disinfected after each use.
Public Services
Printing, copying, faxing, and notary appointments are available at Main/Downtown, Eastgate, Northgate, and South Chattanooga locations.
U.S. Passports Acceptance Office and Local History and Genealogy
The U.S. Passports Acceptance Office and the Local History and Genealogy Department at our Main/Downtown library are now open.
For new passports and renewals: call 423-643-7724 to make an appointment or click here to learn more on our Services page.
Curbside Concierge
Curbside pickup of books and media is available at Main/Downtown, Eastgate, Northgate, and South Chattanooga locations.
For information about Curbside pickup, click here to visit our Curbside Concierge page.
Frequently Asked Questions
» When will the library reopen?
We are open! You can now stop by our Downtown, Northgate, Eastgate and South Chattanooga locations for book browsing, public computer access, public services, passport appointments, Local History and Genealogy, and Curbside Concierge services.
» I received a hold notification. How do I pick it up?
You can stop into your library branch to pick-up in person or use our Curbside Concierge service! Click here for instructions for Curbside.
» How do I place a hold online?
If you haven’t used our online catalog before, watch this short tutorial that will show you how to search for and place holds on items. Click here to watch.
» What should I do with the books I currently have?
Return them! All book drops are open.
» My library card is about to expire so I won’t be able to checkout e-materials. What should I do?
Please click on the “Renew your Card” link in the top right corner on our webpage or stop by your library branch to renew in person.
» Will I owe overdue fines?
Fines were suspended through June 30, 2020. After June 30, please return your checked out items by their due date via our library book drops or branch locations. Tools need to be returned in-person at our Downtown branch.
» How can I get information about the library operations?
Right here! Check our reopening updates often for the most current information.
» I have fines on my account, so I cannot use my card.
Fines can be paid online, through curbside pickup or in-person at one of our locations. To pay online, please click on the “Pay Fines” link at the top of our webpage.
» I don’t have a card at all. How can I get a new library card?
You can either stop into one of our locations or click on the “Get a Library Card” link in the top right corner on our webpage. After completing the online application, email copies of your identification (driver’s license, state identification etc.) to patronaccount@lib.chattanooga.gov. If the address on the identification is incorrect, please include in your email something showing your name with the correct address such as a utility bill, a lease agreement, or a tax bill. If you are unable to email documents, please bring them to the curbside pickup area at one of our locations. Non-residents do have a $50.00 fee that can be paid online or through curbside pickup once your account is set up.
Additional Resources
- Hamilton County Department of Health Hotline: (423) 209-8383
- City of Chattanooga COVID-19 Page and Sign-up Form for Updates
- Center for Disease Control COVID-19 Page
- World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Page
- COVID-19 in the U.S. Map
- Hesperian COVID-19 Health Guide in 13 Languages
- COVID-19 Comic for Kids
- PBS’s Talking to Kids about COVID-19
- NYT’s Talking to Tweens and Teens about COVID-19List Item
- John Hopkins What is Social Distancing?
- FEMA's Coronavirus Rumor Control Page
- Coronavirus: A Book for Children by Nosy Crow
- A Kid's Book About COVID-19
- COVID-19 State Election Alerts
- Coronavirus: A Book for Children
- Telehealth Online Mental Health and Addiction Therapy