Photo: Belmont Public Library,

In response to the rising COVID-19 numbers in Massachusetts, and Gov. Charlie Baker’s request for increased safety measures, the staff of the Belmont Public Library has determined starting this week, the library will be moving to a new service model which will reduce the amount of physical contact between staff and patrons.

“We wish things were going in the other direction, but the reality is that what we care about most is the safety of you all, and of our library staff,” said Peter Struzziero, Belmont Public Library director, in an email.

Beginning on Wednesday, Dec. 9th, out of an abundance of caution the library will be taking steps to move towards a more contact free model.

On the lower level, the staff will serve children’s patrons out the window of the Children’s Room, just off the parking lot and to the right of the main door.

On the main floor, the library will have all materials available for pickup in the vestibule area. Patrons will be allowed to pickup materials and museum passes on hold, which will be left under their name. 

The library is asking that patrons call a few minutes ahead of their arrival time and their materials will be prepared and left for you under your name in the vestibule.

• For pickup of children’s materials, please call the Children’s Room at 617-993-2880
• For adult and YA materials, call Circulation at 617-993-2855
• For pickup of print outs and museum passes, call Reference at 617-993-2870

Pickup hours remain as follows:

• Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Available virtually: The library will continue to offer its digital library from the comfort of a patron’s home. Reference librarians will be available via live chat, email, and phone to help residents with reference questions during pickup hours. The library will continue to issue museum passes for those institutions that are open.

In the coming days, the library will work to begin a new service allowing patrons the ability to securely email personal documents for printing and pickup, please keep an eye on the library’s website for this announcement.

“We do not plan to change our hours at this time, we simply will be serving patrons out the window for children’s materials, and in the vestibule for circulation/reference. We will continue to waive library fines for the time being, so if you need any extra day or two with that book, please know that you will not be charged,” said Struzziero.