COVID safety protocols will be in place. Masks are required in the Children’s Department for everyone ages 5 years and older.
The Needham Free Public Library will re open to the public for indoor access beginning June 1, 2021. To ensure sufficient staffing and provide the safest possible experience for patrons, the library ended its curbside pickup program May 29, 2021.
Additional details will be shared in the coming weeks as the Library staff works with Needham Public Health to ensure that plans for providing services are aligned with COVID best practices.
Library officials anticipate patrons will be able to do the following:
- Browse for books and other public materials;
- Reserve items over the phone;
- Reserve study rooms
Certain restrictions are expected to remain in place for the time being. Patrons will be unable access the Children’s Play Area, the Children’s Storytime Room, or the Children’s Craft Room. The Library and Needham Public Health will closely monitor COVID cases in Needham and statewide and will adjust protocols as necessary. The Library hopes to fully re-open as soon as it is determined it is safe to do so.
In March of 2020, the Needham Free Public Library adapted quickly as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Staff hosted story times, book clubs, and craft hours online; Reference questions were answered by telephone; and digital book and video use soared. The Library launched a successful curbside pickup program that put over 326,000 items into circulation. More details on the Library’s re-opening will be made available in the coming weeks!