Waterford — Patrons who miss the feeling of a real book can now go back to the library, or at least its parking lot.

As of Monday morning, the Waterford Public Library is offering a pickup service by appointment. Director Roz Rubenstein said the library started advertising the service last week and received more than 160 orders by the time it launched.

"Every day someone says, 'When can I come pick up books?'," she said. "Now that the curve is being flattened in Connecticut and more things are being opened and we're following the guidelines of our first selectman as well ... we felt the time was right to start getting actual, physical books back into the hands of our customers."

Patrons can call the library at (860) 444-5805, ext. 2, to reserve a book or place a hold online. Rubenstein said many of the orders placed were holds on books that people had made just before or while the library was closed to the public. Once an appointment is made, patrons can park in one of the designated spots in the lot, call the library, and a masked and gloved staff member will put the requested materials in the car through the trunk or an open back seat window.

Pick up hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

For safety purposes, staff members can't accept a returned book through the service, but the book drop is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the building manager is on shift and able to empty the box with protective gear. Returned books are quarantined for 3 days per recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Rubenstein said the library, like many others in the area, is working on a phased reopening plan with limited hours and programs. During the shutdown, the library also received the 2020 Excellence in Public Library Service Award from the Connecticut Library Association, and she hopes to celebrate that honor once it reopens.

a.hutchinson@theday.com