Bethel Library to reopen next week
BETHEL — The Bethel Public Library plans to take another step toward normalcy next week.
Following months of limited in-person access to its Greenwood Avenue building due to COVID-19, the library will reopen its first and second floors and return to regular hours May 10.
“The library will look different when you return. We look forward to welcoming you back as we navigate this ‘new normal’ together,” Bethel Public Library Director Megan Dean said.
Computers will be back on the second floor, all collections will be available for browsing and the library’s business center will reopen for faxing, scanning and copying. There will also be some tables and chairs available for patrons to use.
Dean said the library is working to return to normal operating procedures, but some services may take a while to come back.
“We are working on plans for in-person programming and use of meeting rooms, but those will return at a later date,” Dean said. “At this time, magazines and newspapers will not be available for in-house use.”
As the library works to expand its services, the safety of visitors and staff will be a top priority.
Dean said state guidelines for cleaning, disinfecting and social distancing will be followed at the library, and all patrons — including children ages 2 and older — will be required to wear masks inside the building.
All borrowed materials must be returned via the library’s exterior book-drop, after which they will undergo a 48-hour quarantine before being handled by library staff or the public.
Dean said the library will continue to offer curbside pickup, online chat, the Bag of Books program and Virtual Bookshelves for browsing, as well as all e-library services that became available during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To prepare for the May 10 reopening, the library will be closed Friday. As staff will be busy relocating computers, moving furniture and preparing spaces for public use, there will be no phone or in-person services available that day.
Anyone with questions or in need of assistance can call 203794-8756, email adult@bethellibrary.org or send a chat request through bethellibrary.org during library hours.