A Note from the Library Director                                                             
I hope you and your loved ones are safe and well. The past few weeks have been extremely difficult for all of us, in so many ways. The COVID-19 outbreak has hit us all hard, and this is a scary time for everyone. We were very sad to have to temporarily close the library building. We miss seeing our colleagues, patrons and visitors so much, but we want to reassure you that despite everything, we have been hard at work to help you during these emotionally and financially challenging times.
 
Our network has extended due dates and no fines will accrue while the library is closed. Expired and blocked cards will be able to use our online offerings while we are closed. Please see our FAQ for information about checkouts, returns, holds, library cards and access.
 
Since we are under a stay-at-home advisory and are all socially distancing, the library has added virtual programming such as virtual meditation and exercise classes (dance fitness, tai chi and more by zoom with Kelley!), virtual book groups, and virtual story times.
 
We continue to offer free wifi in the library park and parking lot (please remember to practice social distancing). We have increased our 24/7 services from e-books and downloadable and streaming audiobooks, music, television and movies, resource databases, online learning resources and more. The SAILS network is purchasing more Overdrive e-books and audiobooks to keep up with the demand. We now allow 7 Hoopla credits per month, and 1,000+ "bonus borrows" that don't use credits. Creativebug offers over 1,000 video classes taught by top designers and artists. Ancestry Library can temporarily be accessed from home, with tutorials, video courses and 500 million records and images to search so you can explore your own family history (please email nortonlibrary@sailsinc.org for access.
 
For those of you who may not visit our website or follow us on social media, our online presence continues the vital work of public libraries at a time when we need them most. We have scaled up our online presence and updated our website to highlight trusted and timely information.
 
We have curated multiple lists of resources:
  • Learning from Home for preschool - college and beyond
  • Experience from Home activities for adults - more ideas for virtual experiences, activities, and social interaction
  • Up-to-date information on public health, including COVID-19 and public service advisories
  • Information on filing taxes, filling out the census, dealing with unemployment insurance and finding assistance
  • Ways to cope with anxiety and stress
 
Our library building is closed, but the library will always be a place for lifelong learning and the hub of the community
 
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at any time by email or using the form on our website. We are here for you and look forward to seeing you again soon. Stay safe and healthy!
 
Lee Parker
Library Director
Our staff are working hard to find new ways to connect and we would love to hear from you! Fill out this brief form to ask questions, get reading recommendations, suggestions for online resources, suggest a service, or just say "Hi!".  
 
Below you'll find links to learning resources for all ages, experiences from all over the world that you can view from home, online resources for education and enrichment, sign up for an online library card, information for those who are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, and more.  
Norton Public Library
68 E. Main St.
Norton, Massachusetts 02766
(508) 285-0265
www.nortonlibrary.org