3 June, 2020
Late in May, we got some good news as Governor Baker announced the beginning of Phase 1 of Massachusetts' reopening plan!
We are actively planning how we will meet the state's new workplace safety standards so library staff can return to the building. The standards are detailed, and it will take us some time to plan and implement new ways of working. We are approaching this with caution and deliberation - our first priority is to do our best to ensure that staff (and, eventually, patrons) are as safe as possible.
What does this mean for you?
First, we will continue to provide the same things we've offered throughout the shutdown - assistance by chat, phone, and e-mail; helpful resources through social media and on our website; electronic books, audiobooks, movies, magazines, and newspapers; virtual programs and presentations; and more.
We know that many of you are eager for us to begin offering curbside checkouts of library materials and accepting returned items. These two services will be top of our list once we are back in the building. However, planning may take some time. We will likely begin with limited versions of these services and gradually expand them to make sure that we can provide them effectively and safely while exercising due care to protect you and library staff.
Looking farther ahead: we are considering how to bring the community back into the building in future phases. This, too, will be done in careful steps, starting with highly limited access for small numbers of people. As we move through recovery, we will gradually remove restrictions as it becomes safe to do so.
It may be some time until we can welcome our first patrons back through the library doors, but I am heartened that for the first time in several weeks, we can start to think about that moment as a concrete possibility.
We will continue to use our eNewsletters, website, social media, and other outlets to share what is changing at the library as we move into recovery and reopening. Please stay tuned for news throughout the next month!
Stay safe, take heart, and I hope we will be able to see you soon!
