Among the most eagerly awaited re-openings is that of the Bedford Free Public Library, set for a ‘soft’ resumption of services during the week of June 22.
Library Director Richard Callaghan said he and his staff are working on contactless (curbside) pickup of materials. The Library is working with a vendor now on software that will be accessible from a user’s phone or desktop to make online reservations for materials. Details will be released by the end of this week. Watch for the announcement! Meantime, patrons can still call or email the Library and the staff will make a reservation for them and will continue to answer questions via email: [email protected].
How Will the New System Work?
Once the new reservation system is in place, patrons can request materials and arrange for outside pickup between the hours of 10 am to 12 noon and 2 to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Books and materials requested will be placed in a bag, stapled shut, and labeled with the patron’s name and last four digits of their Library card on the bag, which will be placed on a table outside the driveway. Anyone – family member or friend- can then pick up the bag.
Preparations for the new way of using the Library have been going on within the building since the shut down in March. Plexiglas shields are being installed at the service desks (Circulation, Reference, etc.) and other places as needed. As Callaghan emphasized, safety of both patrons and staff is the Library’s first priority. With the building closed, there has also been an opportunity for needed maintenance such as painting to take place. Staff and patrons will be wearing masks.
Friends of the Library do not anticipate holding a book sale until next spring; they are working on the possibility of placing a collection outside the Library for donations.
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