COVID-19 Library Updates

Updated 5/13/2021

WFPL Is Open With Limited In-Person Services

New Library Hours:

for ages 65 + and those with underlying health conditions

Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 10 AM

for all patrons

Monday - Thursday: 10 AM - 9 PM
Friday: 10 AM - 7 PM
Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Sunday: Closed

**You are required to:**

Wear a mask properly at all times
Remain at least 6 feet away from others
Abide by any staff instructions regarding safety

You are able to:

Browse and check out materials
Ask librarians for help looking up titles
Purchase books for sale in the café
Use computers by appointment only
Scan and fax (ask a librarian)
Photocopy (ask a librarian)
Use the Local History collection by appointment only
Read or study in designated, socially-distanced seating areas
Reserve study rooms
Reserve the Watertown Savings Bank Meeting Room

**You are not able to:**

Attend programs
Play with toys
Reserve the Lucia Mastrangelo Room or the Raya Stern Trustees Room

Curbside Pickup

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

Returns, Holds, and Fines

Returns: Items can be returned in the exterior drop boxes at the library, Town Hall, Hosmer Elementary, and at the Middle School. No items will be accepted in person by library staff. All returned items are quarantined for 24 hours before getting checked in.

Holds: If you have been notified that you have an item that is ready for you, you may schedule a time to pick it up with our curbside service.

Fines: As of July 1, WFPL has abolished library fines for overdue materials. All overdue fines for any item checked out at WFPL prior to July 1 will be removed from your account. All billed items and overdue fines from other libraries will remain on your account.

COVID-19 Resource Guide

Do you have health and safety questions? Do you need financial or housing assistance? We’ve created a new online resource, a "one-stop shop" to help answer all of your questions about the COVID-19 pandemic: watertownlib.org/covid19guide

Computers and Laptops

WFPL is now providing laptops and wifi 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 appointments are limited to one hour per patron, per day. Sign up 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.

*As a response to our temporary closure, and library closures around the country, we’re pleased to offer increased plays and checkouts for some of our most popular digital platforms.