New Salem Library to Begin Partial Reopening on Thurs. May 20, 2021

            The Library Trustees are happy to announce that the New Salem Library will begin the first stage of reopening the building to the public on Thursday, May 20. This has been a long-waited sign of return to our normal lives for many townspeople.  The library will continue to offer curbside pick-up and the other services it has offered throughout the pandemic over the phone or through email.

            Starting May 20, individuals or family groups (of no more than 4 people) will be able to schedule half-hour appointments to browse the stacks and use the library copying/scanning/printing services.  Individuals will also be able to schedule a one-hour computer session.

            The Trustees will evaluate this stage at its next Trustee meeting on June 8 and hear from the Director and staff about future steps to reopen.  We ask that you be patient with the continued health and safety procedures to ensure a healthy environment for staff and community members.

            Here’s what you need to know about the partial reopening:

Sign-up for 1/2 hour browsing or 1 hour computer sessions

            Call 978-544-6334 or email nslibraryrequests2020@gmail.com to schedule an appointment for an individual or family group of no more than 4 adults/children.                                               

 Appointments for browsing are available:      Tuesdays from 1 – 7:30pm                                                                                                                                              Thursdays from 11am – 5:30pm                                                                                                                                      Saturdays from  10:30 am – 1:30pm                                    Curbside pick-up will continue:   Tuesdays 2 – 7pm                                                                                                                                                              Thursdays 2 -5 pm                                                                                                                                                            Saturdays 11am- 1:30pm                                    

Patrons will have 20 minutes to browse and 10 minutes to check out.

Visit Procedures

• Enter in the front Main Street door and exit out the south side Portico door.

• Masks must be worn properly (covering from nose to chin) at all times. If you are not able to wear a mask please use our curbside services.

• Please hand sanitize or wash your hands at the door when entering and leaving.

• Patrons will sign a contact tracing log.

• Maintain 6 ft. distancing and follow directional signs.

• Continue to put all returns in the outdoor Drop Box where they will be held in quarantine for one-day per MA library procedures.                                                  

Library Health Procedures for Your Protection

• Computers will be at least 6 ft. apart.  Sanitizing wipes will be at each computer and staff will use them to wipe down the computer equipment and table surfaces between uses.

• The staff will socially-distance and use PPE protection.

• The staff will regularly sanitize contact spaces and touch points.   

Thank you for your patience.  We look forward to opening our beautiful library facility in future stages as the COVID situation improves in MA and our country.