COVID-19 Library Updates

Updated 7/12/2021

WFPL Is Open

Current Library Hours:

  • Monday - Thursday: 9 AM - 9 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM - 7 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM
  • Sunday: 1 PM - 5 PM

You are required to:

  • Wear a mask while using the children's room, regardless of vaccination status. 
  • Follow CDC and Massachusetts mask and social distancing guidance for unvaccinated people.

Masks are recommended for all people in the library. 

Available Services

Library services have resumed. Library programming will be offered via Zoom and in-person outdoors through the summer. Meeting and study rooms are available for public use.

Curbside Pickup

The Library continues to offer curbside pickup of books and materials. To learn how to place your order, visit watertownlib.org/pickup

Returns, Holds, and Fines

Returns: All drop boxes are open. Items can be returned to the Circulation Desk or to the exterior drop boxes at the Library, Town Hall, Hosmer Elementary, and at the Middle School.

Holds: If you have been notified that you have an item that is ready for you, you can pick it up at the Circulation Desk. Alternatively, you can schedule a time to pick up your materials outside the Library with curbside service. 

Fines: The Watertown Free Public Library does not charge late fees on materials with the exception of Inter-Library Loan materials borrowed from non-MLN libraries. This policy applies to Watertown only but may not be the same at other Minuteman Library Network (MLN) libraries. Patrons with materials overdue more than 28 days (or more than 1 day for in-library equipment such as laptops and headphones) must return them or pay for them before they can check out additional materials.  

Computers and Laptops

WFPL provides laptops and Wi-Fi internet hot spots for patrons to take home for two weeks at a time. Anyone with a Watertown or Minuteman library card may borrow a laptop or a hot spot. Learn more: watertownlib.org/laptops

We're excited to once again offer access to our public desktop computers inside the Library. Public computer use is limited to two hours per patron, per day. Walk in or sign up for an appointment here: watertownlib.org/computers

Using Library Resources at Home

Don’t forget that you can access many free library resources and entertainment platforms from home. Check out the eLibrary highlights below or visit watertownlib.org/elibrary for a full list of our digital offerings.

Drawing of a computer screen filled with books. Opens in new window