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Thursday, January 13th 2022

Hello reader!

Read on for an update from the Library Director.

Newsletter Icon Announcement
Dear Brookline Community Members,

Due to staffing issues, the Library will be moving back to a contactless pickup service model, effective Tuesday, January 18, 2022. While we all wish that we could continue to offer regular services, at this time we are experiencing daily absenteeism of up to 30% due to illness. In addition to wanting to protect our staff from COVID-19, we certainly would never want our patrons to contract it from visiting the library.

At this time, we plan to offer these limited services for two weeks, and then re-evaluate. There have been multiple articles indicating that the current wave of infections is cresting, and we hope that to be true.

What does this mean for library users?

You may reserve library materials and then pick them up at the front door once you’ve been notified that your holds are ready. You can reserve materials yourself through our online catalog, or call 617-730-2370 ext. 3 to talk to a librarian who can assist.

All our virtual, electronic, and take-home offerings will remain in place. This means that you will still have access to Library offerings, and you may:

  • Reserve books, movies, music, games, Chromebooks, hotspots, and all the other materials you normally check out from the library.
  • Access electronic resources including ebooks, audiobooks, movies, newspapers, magazines, and digitized archival materials.
  • Ask at the door for book bundles of picture books, easy reader, teen, and tween materials.
  • NEW OFFERING: Adult fiction book bundles!
  • Get librarian support by phone or chat during hours the Library is open (617-730-2370 ext. 3).
  • Attend virtual Library programming including book groups, storytimes, speakers, take-home craft kits, and more.
  • Print documents by emailing them to print@brklib.com.
  • Have objects 3D printed or lasercut for you by staff.
  • Access Library Wi-Fi outside our buildings.
  • Sign up for a new library card if you don’t have one already.
  • And more!
Library hours will remain the same as they are currently, and our book drops will still be open 24/7.

We regret having to close our physical doors again more than we can say. With COVID-19 cases rising in Brookline, our surrounding communities, and Library staff, though, we believe these measures to be necessary to help combat the latest surge and maintain as many library services as possible at this time. This was a very difficult decision, made in collaboration with the Board of Trustees and the Town administration.

We hope you all remain safe and well during these challenging times.
We thank you for your patience and understanding.



Sincerely,

Sara Slymon
Library Director
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