How it Works

Hartford Public Library Story Stash Pick-Up Locker

The Story Stash is a remote locker system that allows you to pick up your items on hold at your convenience 24/7. This service is only available at our Downtown location. It’s located next to the book drop on Arch street.

View from Arch Street Under the Garage Entrance Facing the Locker - Book Drop on Left

Arch Street View from Google Maps

How it Works

Place items on hold through our catalog and select "Story Stash Downtown Pick-Up Locker" as the library you want to pick up from.
Staff gather your items and deposit them into the locker. You will receive a text or email to let you know your holds are ready.
Use your library card to retrieve your items from the locker using the barcode number on the back of the card.
Items will be available for 7 days, then will be removed from the locker if they have not been picked up.
If we are unable to process your locker holds, we will contact you.
If you need any support, you can reach us at (860) 695-6300. Select option 4 to connect to a branch and staff can put items on hold for you and/or answer any questions you may have

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To use this new service you will need to follow two very important steps:

#1 Request an Item and then choose the Library Story Stash Downtown Pick-Up Locker service.

How to Request an Item

You can either call a branch to have a staff member place the hold for you OR place a hold online using these steps:

Go to our homepage and click on “MY ACCOUNT” - this will bring you to the catalog page where you can sign in.CLICK HERE to go directly to the catalog page to sign in.
Then, click on Log In at the top; enter your barcode and PIN (unless you have specifically changed it, your PIN is the last four digits of your barcode number)
Once you log in, click on My Account at the top of the page
Once your account logs in, you will search for the item you want to put on hold.
Next to the item listing in the catalog, click on Place Hold
Under Pickup Library, choose Story Stash Downtown Pick-up Locker as the library location

When your hold is ready, you will receive notification that it’s available for pickup via the notification method you've chosen for your account (text or email).

#2 Collecting Holds from the Library Story Stash Downtown Pick-Up Locker service

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long will my items stay in the locker?
A: Holds will expire after 7 days. Once expired, the items will be removed from the locker and returned to the shelves.

Q: How do I check the items out?
A: Once the locker door is opened, the items are automatically checked out to your account.

Q: What items can I request for pickup at the lockers?
A: Books and DVDs are eligible for pickup at the Story Stash. Items from our Library of things must be picked up at a branch. Museum passes must also be arranged at the branches.

Q: How can I request an item for pickup at the lockers through my online account?
A: When you place a hold through your library account online, you will select “Story Stash Downtown Pick-Up Locker” as the pickup location.

Q: Will I be able to pick up an inter-library loan item at the lockers?
A: Yes! If you would like to pick up your ILL at the lockers, please let a staff member know and we will set your pickup location to the lockers.

Q: Who do I contact if I am having issues using the lockers?
A: Please contact (860) 695-6300 and choose a branch to contact. One of our staff members will walk you through it.

Q: When can I access the lockers?
A: The lockers are available 24/7 with your library card.

Q: When are items available in the Story Stash?
A: Items will be placed in the lockers at various times throughout the week. You will receive a notification from the library that your items are ready for pickup.

Q: Where are the lockers located?
A: You can find the Story Stash on the Arch Street side of the library by the bookdrop.

Q: How do I get my items out of the lockers?
A: Please see the visual guide below to follow the steps. You will use your barcode number to unlock the lockers and retrieve your holds. You can scan the barcode on your library card, scan the barcode in our HPL app, or manually type the barcode number onto the screen.

Q: Can someone else access my items?
A: Only your barcode can open your locker. Who you share that card with is up to you. Please be aware that the cardholder is responsible for lost or damaged items.

Q: Will all of my holds be available at once?
A: Your holds will be added to lockers as they become available. You will receive a notification when they are ready for pickup.

Collections - Adult: Story Stash Pick-Up Locker

How it Works

Hartford Public Library Story Stash Pick-Up Locker

#2 Collecting Holds from the Library Story Stash Downtown Pick-Up Locker service