NAHANT — Nahant’s Library reopened its doors to the public this week after a nearly three-month long closure due to COVID-19.
The good news is not without some caveats, however.
For the foreseeable future, visitors will be required to make an appointment beforehand and are only allowed to visit the building in intervals.
Director Sharon Hawkes called the reopening a “mixed blessing.”
“We’re excited to be able to allow the public to get back in, but at the same time, the hallmark of this library — and other libraries across the commonwealth — is to be a public gathering space,” she said. “Unfortunately, we have to limit how much gathering (can happen).”
Beginning at the top of each hour, patrons will be allowed into the library in groups of five for 50 minutes at a time to browse for books or read. A press release from Nahant Public Library assured residents that common touch points will be cleaned between every group of visitors, and masks will still be required per the governor’s orders.
In addition to the strict visitation policy, Hawkes said patrons will also see some notable safety precautions, including considerably more signage, a sneeze guard at the main desk, and plenty of hand sanitizer.
“Libraries are gathering places, so asking the public to gather less is tough for us,” she said. “But even during lockdown, we have been thinking about how many different ways we could still keep in touch with our patrons. We are excited to invite people back into the beautiful building to enjoy a peaceful break from a turbulent time.”
Although interlibrary loaning has not yet resumed, the Nahant Public Library will continue to offer books, CDs, and DVDs from its own collection for checkout, curbside pickup, or delivery to homebound Nahant residents.
Other service offerings include WiFi and reference assistance, as well as thousands of books and other resources available online through the library website.
“We’re trying to make things as safe as possible and still as available as possible,” Hawkes said.
Residents can now book available slots from Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information or to sign up for a library card, book a visit or borrow books and other titles, contact the Library at [email protected] or call (781) 581-0306.
