LYNNFIELD — The library is making it easier for residents to access its books and movies with the addition of front door service hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Already open from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturdays, the library has also expanded its circulation staff with the addition of two new employees, Samantha Totman and Jillian Twomey.
“We are excited to be able to expand as we know our community has wanted more options for pick-up times,” said Assistant Director and Head of Adult Services Abigail Porter. “This is, in part, due to finally being able to fill two positions that have been vacant since before COVID started. They (Totman and Twomey) have really made the difference in what we have been able to accomplish. Preparing for front door service is a surprising amount of work.”
Registration is required to use the front door service. The library will notify people when their items are ready to pick up. Once notification is received, on online form must be completed to confirm the selected pickup time. If multiple items have been ordered, only one appointment to pick them up is required. If online registration is closed, please contact the library at (781) 334-5411 as additional pickup times may be available. For questions about front door service, call or email the library at [email protected].
Porter said that craft kits are available every Saturday, first come, first served, every Saturday from 10 a.m-12 p.m. Extra kits may also be available from time to time by emailing Porter at [email protected].
“They are a lot of fun to put together and a great way to de-stress for the whole family,” Porter said.
Upcoming December events include “The New Normal New England Road Trip — No Mask, No Gas Required” with Ted Reinstein on Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 7-8 p.m. From quirky characters in Maine and Vermont, to authentic and beloved diners in tiny towns, to familiar landmarks and “who knew?” finds far off the beaten path, this Zoom presentation takes viewers on a trip they may otherwise not take these days, and includes a collection of favorite stories curated from Reinstein’s 20-plus years as a reporter. Online registration is required, following which a Zoom link will be sent 30 minutes before the event begins.
“Meal in a Mug – Mac ‘N Cheese” will be Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 3-3:30 p.m. Hosted by Julie Manning, this tutorial will teach participants how to make macaroni and cheese and also chocolate chip cookies in only 30 minutes. Advance registration is required. Participants will be emailed the Zoom link 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the class. Please email [email protected] with any questions or issues logging in
“Creepy Christmas” with Jeff Belenger will be Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 7-8 p.m. This presentation is based on Belenger’s PBS New England Legends Creepy Christmas special. From the origins of the holiday to monsters like Krampus, the Belsnickel and Gryla, Belenger brings spooky back to the yuletide with a multimedia journey through the holiday season. This event is for adults only. Advance registration is required.
WiFi hotspots can be reserved for up to three weeks at a time. Porter said the library offers many “awesome” online services including Hoopla for movie rentals, Libby for ebooks, Creativebug for online craft courses, British mysteries on Acorn TV via the RB Digital database, which also allows access to thousands of online magazines.
The library will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Porter encourages residents to reach out to the library and stay current by visiting the library on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
“Staff are in the building every day except Sunday and we miss you,” Porter said. “We hope to open for browsing as soon as it is safe, but if there is a service we can help you with, please let us know. We are more than happy to help you get access to what you need if we can.”
Anne Marie Tobin can be reached at [email protected].
