Libraries in the hilltowns began reopening last week, with services somewhat limited, and contact between staff and patrons very limited.
Library buildings, which have been closed to the public since mid-March as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, cannot allow public access yet, but libraries have been able to offer curbside pick-up services, like some retail businesses and restaurants have done.
Libraries in Shelburne, Buckland, Ashfield, Colrain and Charlemont are now offering curbside pick-up services, which are largely coordinated over the phone or online. Interlibrary loans are not available yet, so all libraries’ selections are limited to their own collections.
Librarians are also taking pains to handle materials safely, to the extent of quarantining and disinfecting materials before restocking them. Items for pick up are handled with gloves, and packaged in paper bags.
“Even though we’re not being called an essential service by the governor, we know that our patrons see it as an essential service,” said Buckland Public Library Director Jane Buchanan. “So we’re trying to do what we can to get things into their hands.”
The Arms Library offers curbside pickup on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Patrons can request items and make an appointment to pick up their materials by calling the library at 413-625-0306. Items can be returned in the outdoor book return box.
The library hopes to be able to reopen its building on June 8, said Director Laurie Wheeler, which is the earliest the state might move into Phase 2 of Gov. Charlie Baker’s four-phase reopening plan. Whenever the library is able to open, she said, she expects to limit the number of people in the building to three at a time, and will probably have to monitor entrances.
The Buckland Public Library offers curbside pickup on Tuesdays and Fridays from 2 to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
Library Director Jane Buchanan recommended using the order form on the library’s website, bucklandpubliclibrary.org, to request items and to make a pickup appointment, but patrons can also call the library at 413-625-9412 or email jbuchanan@cwmars.org.
To return items, leave them in the book drop during open hours. Buchanan asks that patrons not return items outside of the library’s open hours.
Buchanan expects to be able to reopen the building at some point after the state moves to Phase 2, but expects to require patrons to wear masks and to limit the number of people in the building.
The Belding Memorial Library offers curbside pickup on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m., and Satrudays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Patrons can request items and make a pickup appointment by calling the library at 413-628-1505, or by emailing bmlashfield@gmail.com. Items can be returned in the library’s outdoor drop box.
Library Director Sarah Hertel-Fernandez said she does not have a clear expectation of when she will be able to reopen the building, and will work with the town’s emergency management team.
The Griswold Memorial Library offers curbside pickup on Mondays and Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Patrons can request items through the online catalog, at colrain-ma.gov, or by calling the library at 413-624-3619. Librarians are also available at the door to take requests, said Assistant Library Director Kate Barrows.
Items can be returned using the drop box in the parking lot.
Library Director Chelsea Jordan-Makely said she expects to be able to reopen the building at some point after the state moves to Phase 2, but will probably allow only two people in the building at a time, and probably will not allow patrons to access the shelves to browse.
The Tyler Memorial Library offers curbside pickup on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Patrons can request materials online at charlemont.cwmars.org, by calling the library at 413-339-4335, or by email at charlemont.hawley.library@gmail.com.
Items can be returned in the drop box outside.
Because the library is in the Charlemont Town Hall, physical access to the building will be determined by the Board of Health’s decisions on reopening Town Hall, said Library Director Andrea Bernard.
Reach Max Marcus at mmarcus@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.