Today the governor announced rolling back the state's opening plan to Phase 3, Step 1. The library has been working within those constraints already, so at this point we won't need to make any changes. We strive to be able to offer the community the library services during this time of the pandemic, while keeping our focus on the health and safety of our staff and patrons. Below is a rundown of our current services. Please note that we are currently open only Monday through Friday. There are protocols in place for staff who have been exposed to a positive COVID case to work from home, as well as protocols for staff to be tested for COVID if they are experiencing any symptoms. We are prepared to offer services with fewer staff in the building, but unfortunately, if we were to add weekend hours at this time, we would be unable to maintain an adequate number of staff in the building Monday-Friday as full-time staff need to take a day off during the week if they work on a Saturday. The trustees continue to review the situation each month and I will be sure to announce any restoration of hours as we are able to safely offer them. If you have any questions, please contact me at karendemers@wilbrahamlibrary.org
Karen Demers, Library Director
Curbside Pickup Appointments
We schedule curbside pickup appointments every ten minutes during operating hours - Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 9:10am-5:50pm, Thursday and Friday 9:10am-4:50 pm. Appointments may be made through our online event calendar, or by calling us at 596-6141.
In-Library Browsing Appointments
We welcome a limited number of visitors into the library on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 45-minute appointments. During browsing visits, patrons will be required to wear masks, and encouraged to wear gloves (provided). Any item that is touched by a patron that doesn't get checked out will need to be placed in a cart to be quarantined for one week. Our restrooms are cleaned daily, and deep-cleaned weekly. Patrons who wish to use the restroom will be provided sanitizing supplies for their own extra protection. The library online catalog computers will not be available, so patrons should download the C/WARS app on their smartphones, or they may ask a staff member for assistance. Patrons will also be encouraged to use the meeScan app on their smartphone or other self-check kiosks to limit physical contact with staff.
In-Library Computer Use Appointments
We welcome a limited number of visitors into the library on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 45-minute appointments. In addition to the limitations listed in the Browsing appointments above, computer users will only be provided with verbal technical support from the staff - we will be unable to provide hands on assistance.
Quarantine Reminder
We recently had to increase the quarantine time for materials to one week. Please know that all items returned or that come through delivery are in quarantine and will remain either on your account or "In Transit" until checked in. There are no overdue fines charged during the state's Phase 3, as approved by the Board of Library Trustees.
Virtual Programming
Programming has always been a big part of what we do. Although we can't get together in groups at this time, we have been working hard to find appropriate programming for all ages that we can offer virtually. Be sure to check out our website regularly or subscribe to our e-newsletter for announcements.
Wilbraham Public Library
25 Crane Park Drive
Wilbraham, Massachusetts 01095
413.596.6141
http://www.wilbrahamlibrary.org