C.H. Booth Library now has a “grab-and-go” patio browsing option for patrons.

C.H. Booth Library Director Douglas Lord said in a phone interview that the patio service was rolled out recently with a “soft opening” to enable library staff to work out the “kinks.” In its first week, the patio service had light patronage, but Lord expects it to grow as more people become aware of the option.

“The people are really grateful,” Lord said of the response to the service. “Everybody is being very respectful of our mask requirements.”

According to the library’s website, chboothlibrary.org, the grab-and-go patio option, which is set up around the back of the library, has service hours that match its curbside pickup hours — Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from noon to 4 pm; Thursdays from noon to 7 pm; and Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm. Hours may be added as staffing and resources become available.

Lord said mostly popular books were selected for the new grab-and-go section.

“We’re doing the best we can, and we are relying on people’s patience,” Lord said of the ways the library is working to bring its services to its patrons.

The grab-and-go patio is labeled with an entrance and signs to follow. A library staffer is typically stationed at a desk behind a clear guard.

Circulation Supervisor Anne Mastroianni said in a release from the library, “While patrons are very happy to have curbside delivery, many have missed browsing for material. The patio is a way for us to provide that experience again, with some of our newest and most popular material in books, DVDs, and audiobooks. For parents of children who are in a hurry, we are offering bags containing several picture books that relate to a theme (like ‘heroes’ or ‘cars’), and we also have selections of the popular Nutmeg nominees for both younger readers and teens.”

When asked how patrons can help the library, Lord said in an e-mail, “We always appreciate patience and understanding from our patrons, and that’s particularly important at this time. Libraries are a high-touch type of business with lots of laughter, talking, and shared personal space. The C.H. Booth Library is also an organization that bends over backward to say, ‘Yes’ to its patrons, and we’re having to make adjustments each and every day to do the best we can while responsibly keeping staff and the public safe.”

The grab-and-go patio service is weather-dependent. If the weather is questionable, patrons are asked to call the library in advance to inquire about the service, 203-426-4533.

A list of all the library’s current services and guidelines for safety are available on the library’s website, chboothlibrary.org.