COVID-19 Library Updates

Updated 1/3/2022

WFPL is open. Masks are required for all people ages two and older inside the Library.

Due to the recent increase in Covid cases, all in-person Library programs are canceled effective 1/4/22 through 1/31/22. Here's what this means:

  • January programs that were scheduled to take place in person will be canceled or held virtually. It will take us some time to move programs online, so check watertownlib.org/events for the latest information.   
  • January programs that were scheduled to take place virtually will continue as planned.  
  • Front Lawn Story Time is cancelled tomorrow, 1/4/22 and will move to Facebook Live (facebook.com/watertownfpl) beginning this Thursday, 1/6/22.
  • Community groups that have booked meeting room space can continue to meet.
  • Library services and in-Library browsing will continue.
We hope to resume in-person programming in February, 2022, but will adjust as necessary. Check watertownlib.org/reopening for the latest information. Thank you for adapting as we work together to keep our community safe!


Current Library Hours:

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

Available Services

Library services have resumed, including virtual and in-person programming. 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