Q: When will the library be reopening.

A: We are happy to announce that as of June 15th, 2021 the library is once again fully open to the public. This means that we are no longer limiting access to the building based on capacity, and visits to the library are no longer limited to a set amount of time. Seating and restrooms are also now available throughout the library.

We have returned to our regular hours, and curbside hold pickup services have been discontinued as of July 11th; our hours are Monday through Thursday 10am-8pm, Fridays 1pm-5pm, Saturdays 10am-5pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm. If you have any questions about hold pickup or library services, feel free to give us a call at (805)-526-1735.

Q: Is Curbside Pickup still available, and if so, when?

A: Now that we have returned to our full, regular hours, we have discontinued curbside pickup.

Q: What additional requirements are there for visiting the library?

A: In accordance with the new health order by Ventura County Public Health, all customers are required to wear masks inside the library regardless of vaccination status.

Q: Will computers be available for use when the library is reopen?

A: Yes, computers are available for use by visitors. We have returned to our previous limitation of computer use, three hours on the computer per day to ensure that all visitors get a chance to use the computers should they need to do so.

Q: Is the library currently accepting donations?

A:  At this time the library has begun accepting donations again in a limited capacity. We are accepting donations but are currently limiting donations to a maximum of two boxes.

Q: Is the Friends of the Library bookstore available for making purchases?

A:  The Friends of the Library bookstore is now available; it is available Monday through Thursday, 10am-5:30pm, Fridays 1:00pm-4:00pm, and Saturdays 10:00am-4:00pm. The Friends of the Library Book Store is closed on Sundays.

For times that the bookstore itself isn’t open, we do have some carts provided near the entrance of the bookstore from their collection that are available for browsing and purchase, and we encourage those interested to look at any outward-facing shelves around the bookstore area for any items they may be interested in.

Q: Will I now be able to return items inside the library?

A:  Yes, you may drop off any returns at the desk just inside the library entrance on the right by putting them through the slot; you may also continue to return items to the book drops located in the center of our parking lot.

Q: How do I pick up items that I've put on hold?

A: Held items can be picked up in-person in the library.

    • Customers can pick up their hold by coming into the library and going straight ahead to the hold shelves, and then take the item to the self-checkouts near the circulation desk.
    • You will need your library card and pin number (which is generally the last four digits of your phone number) to check out your items via the self-checkout.

Q: What can I access from home if I'm not able to visit the library in person?

A: All of our online materials are still available through the library’s website with your library card. This means that you can still check out e-books and digital audiobooks from CloudLibrary as well as e-books, audiobooks, and streaming video through Hoopla.

Also remember if you’re seeking news, the library has access to the New York Times, so you can access them without a subscription. Simply click here and hit redeem in order to get access. You will need to make a New York Times account in order to finalize access, but this will allow you to keep up-to-date with current news.

This is also a great time to learn something new! If you’re interested in learning a new language, or improving in a language you’re already learning, take a look at Rosetta Stone. If you’re hoping to learn a new skill, whether it be photography, coding, leadership skills, or finally conquering Excel, visit Linked-In Learning and browse through the many options to pass the time!

Q: How can I put an item on hold? What if it was already waiting on the hold shelf for me?

A:  You can place a hold by visiting our catalog here, searching for the item that you’re interested in putting on hold, and selecting the ‘place request’ button. It will ask you to enter your library card number and your pin number (usually the last four of phone number) in order to place the request.

We’re also happy to place holds for you by phone. Feel free to call 805-526-1735, Monday through Thursday from 10am-8pm, Fridays 1pm-5pm, Saturdays 10am-5pm, and Sundays 1pm-5pm . All we need is your library card in order to place holds for you over the phone.

If you already have a hold waiting for you, it will be waiting on a shelf straight ahead as you enter the library.

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The Simi Valley Public Library will be closed March 31st in observance of Easter.
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