The Kansas City Public Library is allowing patrons to pick up books and other items they have placed on hold while the branches are closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

The new “pop in/pick up” services were launched Tuesday at the Central Library, Plaza, Lucile H. Bluford, Waldo and Trails West branches. Pickups will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.

The pickup service will be extended to the remaining library branches — North-East, Southeast, Sugar Creek, Ruiz and Westport — the first week in June, according to a library press release.

All public library locations have been closed since mid-March in conjunction with area-wide efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Library staff is being trained on enhanced safety measures, including sanitizing techniques, handling materials and social distancing, that follow Mayor Quinton Lucas’ 10-10-10 rule.

The pickup process is contact-free. Patrons can select where they would like to retrieve their requested items. They will be alerted when the items become available. Patrons are asked to call when they arrive at the pickup location and remain in their cars while staff check out the materials and bundle and tag them with each patron’s last name, last four digits of their library card number and pickup date.

Those items will be placed on a table in the library’s lobby. Patrons are then allowed into the library one at a time to pick up items.

Public libraries in Johnson County have resumed drive-thru service at the Blue Valley, Lenexa City Center, and Monticello branches.

Patrons can place new holds at jocolibrary.org for pickup at those locations.