More Info
For more details on our "Grab & Go" service, please use the Table of Contents to navigate this FAQ.
If you need assistance, please email us or call (714) 842-4481.
For more information on the City of Huntington Beach's response to COVID-19, please visit HBReady.com.
Quick Info
We're Open with Limited Services - Here's What to Know Before You Go!
Central Library is open for "Grab & Go" service. Banning, Helen Murphy, Main Street, and Oak View branches will remain closed at this time. Banning branch and Central will also be continuing Sidewalk Service.
In-Person Services
What services will be available during "Grab & Go" at Central Library?
- Book & media collections will be available for browsing and checkout to the public. Please visit the Borrower Services Desk for assistance locating items, or for book & media suggestions from any of our collections.
- The Adult Computer Lab will be open for reservations and drop-in computer use. Computer time for all visitors is limited to a single session of one hour per day. Computer Coach assistance will not be available.Teens between the ages of 13 and 18 may use the Teen Computer Lab. The Children's Computer Lab will remain closed at this time.
- Printing is available with credit cards or exact change.
- Research & Information assistance will be available from in-person staff at the Borrower Services Desk, including any questions you may have about books or events in our Children's department. The Children's Desk will be closed at this time.
- Library Accounts assistance will be available from in-person staff at the Borrower Services Desk.
- Self Checkout stations are available to check out your materials. If you prefer a contactless experience, please use our Sidewalk Service.
- All visits are limited to one hour. Loitering will not be permitted. Please be mindful of your time!
Closed Services
Temporarily Closed Services
- Study Rooms & Meeting Spaces
- Tabby Storytime Theater
- Children's Computer Lab
- Donations of Materials
- Makerspace
- Literacy Center
- Genealogy area
- 4th Floor Periodicals
- Computer Coaching
- Veterans Resource Center
- One Fine Blend Coffee Cart
- Friends of the Library Gift Shop
- Friends of the Library Used Bookstore
- Children's Desk (please visit the Borrower Services Desk for assistance)
- Information Desk (please visit the Borrower Services Desk for assistance)
Seating and tables throughout the library are currently unavailable at this time due to social distancing guidelines. We ask that you maintain a 6 foot distance between yourself, other patrons, and staff.
As State restrictions gradually lift, we hope to reopen these services soon. Announcements regarding changes to available services will be made through this website, through the HBPL Facebook and Instagram pages, and through library digital newsletters.
Computer Lab
Computer Lab
Monday - Thursday: 9am to 12:45pm & 2pm to 5:45pm
Friday & Saturday: 9am to 12:45pm
Need Computer Assistance? Please Visit our FAQ Page.
Computer Lab Rules
- Face masks properly covering nose and mouth must be worn at all times
- Library cardholders may access a computer for one session of one hour per day. No time extensions will be granted for any reason. All computers have a one hour time limit, and you are limited to one computer session per day, regardless of how much of the allotted time you use. Computers will automatically shut down 15 minutes before closing.
- If no computers are available, please make a reservation for the next available computer at the Reservation Station
- Keep a distance of 6 feet from others at all times. Instead of waiting in the lab, please make a reservation and return at your scheduled time.
- Computer assistance and Computer Coaches are unavailable at this time. You may bring one support person with you into the computer lab if you need personal assistance.
- Wash and sanitize your hands before using computer equipment. Clean the keyboard and mouse before your session.
- Children under the age of 13 may not use the computer lab unless under parental supervision. Guardians must stay with children while they are in the computer lab at all times.
- Teens 13 to 17 may use the Teen Computer Lab, and must follow all of the above.
Reserving a Computer
From the Reservation Station, follow these steps:
- Enter your library card number
- Select "Adult Lab" for adults 18 and over, or "Teen Lab" for teens 13 to 17
- Select a time or choose the next available seat. Note: if you choose a short session, you will get a shortened session, but it will be available sooner. You are limited to one computer session per day, regardless of how much of the allotted time you use. Computers will automatically shut down 15 minutes before closing.
- Keep your receipt! It has your reservation time and station number.
- You must log in to your station within 10 minutes of your reservation time, or it will become available for another person.
Virtual Services
What Is Staying Virtual?
- Virtual Storytimes will continue! For a full calendar, visit hbpl.libguides.com/kids.
- Digital TeenSpace Discord server for ages 13-18. Visit bit.ly/TeenDiscord to join.
- Virtual books clubs for adults. Find this month's reading selection and register at http://bit.ly/HBPLbookclubs.
- Virtual Makerspace programming through Learn&Make Zoom classes. Register online at hbpl.libcal.com.
- Other awesome online programming for children, teens & adults!
For a full list of our online programming, please visit hbpl.libcal.com
Health & Safety
Health & Safety
The health and safety of our community and patrons is our top priority and we will continue to abide by federal, state and local regulations and guidance until such a time when we can safely provide fully in-person services. We will adjust our guidelines and services accordingly as state and county guidelines change!
What We Are Doing
- Staff will wear face masks properly covering nose and mouth at all times and maintain a distance of 6 feet
- Staff will wear gloves and use hand sanitizer when in the library and handling materials
- Plexiglass barriers have been installed on our service desks
- Hand sanitizing stations and social distancing signs have been installed throughout the library
- Enhanced cleaning procedures will be in place to disinfect surfaces throughout the day. The library will be cleared and closed
What We Ask of You
- Face masks must be worn at all times and must properly cover nose and mouth. If you prefer not to wear a face mask, we encourage you to make use of our Sidewalk Service instead
- Children under the age of 12 must remain with a guardian at all times
- Maintain a distance of 6 feet between yourself, staff, and other patrons outside your family group at all times
- Temperature checks will be taken at the main entrance. Any visitor with a fever of 100.4 F or higher or with COVID-19 symptoms will be asked to return at another time.
- If you feel sick or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please do not enter the library.
- All library visits are limited to one hour, & loitering is not permitted. Total occupancy of the Central Library will be limited to a maximum of 100 people at a time. Please be mindful of your time so others may use our Grab & Go service!
- Please wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and use the hand sanitizing stations throughout the library.
- Public restrooms will be limited to one visitor at a time.
- Respect all closed gates, off-limits items, and staff-only areas.
- No food or drink is permitted in the library.
Other Libraries in OC
What other libraries are open in Orange County?
Curious what other libraries are open right now in Orange County? Click the image below to view a list.
Note: The Huntington Beach Public Library is a separate library system run by the City of Huntington Beach, and is not part of the Orange County Public Library system. Please keep this in mind when placing books on hold or returning materials!
Donations
Are You Accepting Book Donations?
No. Unfortunately, we don't have volunteers in the building to sort donated materials. When our volunteers come back, we'll let you know that we are accepting donations again. But there are other ways to support the library in the meantime! Please consider donating to the Friends of the Children's Library, or to the Friends of the Library organization.
We appreciate your patience and support!
Fines
Are You Charging Fines?
We are continuing to waive fines while the pandemic is ongoing. Materials that are returned must be quarantined for 96 hours, and will continue to appear on your account until they can be safely handled and checked in. Once materials have been checked in, any fines they may have accrued will be erased - not to worry!
How Can I Pay For My Fines?
If you have pre-existing fines on your account that you would like to pay, you may do so with a credit card at any of the self check machines in the library. Staff at the Borrower Services desk cannot accept cash or credit card transactions at this time.
