Photo: Belmont Public Library will begin in-building activities on Sept. 21

With autumn beginning next week and cooler temperatures the norm, the Belmont Public Library is halting its Parking Lot Pickup program, and will bring the pickup of held materials and museum passes back inside the library.

Beginning on Monday, September 21st, patrons can pick up materials in the Library without an appointment, said Library Director Peter Struzziero in a press release dated Sept. 17.

First and foremost, to enter the library, everyone must wear a mask covering your nose and mouth.

“This is an absolute must and no exceptions will be made,” said Struzziero.

“If you are not able to wear a mask for medical reasons, contact the library in advance and we will arrange to serve you outside of the building. If you prefer not to wear a mask for your own reasons, please do not come into the library. For your safety and ours, masks are mandatory in the library,” he said.

Patrons with any questions about the new policy, please contact Struzziero at:

Email: pstruzziero@minlib.net
Phone: 617-993-2851

When coming to the library, enter through the front door to:

• Check out an adult or teen hold that is ready for pickup on your account
• Use a computer (appointment required)
• Pick up a museum pass

Enter through the side door on the lower level, next to the Children’s Room, to:

• Check out a children’s hold that is ready for pickup on your account
• Drop off or pick up a pen pal letter
• Access the elevator to reach the main floor for adult holds, computer appointments, and museum passes

If you need to place a hold, request a museum pass, or schedule a computer use appointment, please do so in advance by calling 617-993-2870 or visiting the appropriate pages on our website.

Please remember to bring your library card or photo ID to pick up your holds.

Maintain a 6-foot distance from staff members and other patrons. We ask that the elevator be limited to one person at a time whenever possible.

Pickup and computer use hours will be:

• Monday – Wednesday: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
• Thursday: 11 am – 6:30 pm
• Friday and Saturday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

General questions? Please call the Reference Desk at 617-993-2870.

“This will be the newest stage in our phasing of library services,” said Struzziero.

“In the future, we hope to restore browsing, the ability to spend time in the library, in-building programming, and all the other things we all love about our library. We need to be smart about it though, and always put safety among the highest of our concerns. We’ll look to do some of these things as we can in the coming months, but for now, we are pleased to take this step,” he said.