Darien Library Postpones Reopening Building To July 6: UPDATE

DARIEN, CT — The Darien will begin "express services" on July 6 instead of July 1, as officials continue to accumulate personal protective equipment for staff and patrons.

Officials made the announcement Tuesday in an email to patrons and on the library's website.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we are postponing our reopening until we have a sufficient amount of personal protective equipment to safely serve staff and patrons," library Director Alan Kirk Gray said in the email. Darien Library will reopen on Monday, July 6th. Please check our website for additional information about our reopening plans."

When the library reopens, only 150 people will be allowed in the building at any time, among other restrictions, according to officials.

Masks fully covering the nose and mouth must be worn at all times, and half of the library's tables and chairs will be removed to help keep the number of patrons low.

The library will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, but all programs and events will continue to be hosted online.

"We do not have a date when full services and programs will resume," officials said in a statement. "The health and safety of our community and patrons is our top priority and we will continue to abide by federal, state and local regulations and guidance."

Children under 12 must remain with their caregiver/guardian/parent at all times, and as a result, the Children's Library will be open for 30-minute appointments, and walk-ins will be limited.

Other restrictions include the library's lower level remaining closed, and computers on the second floor only being available by a patron for one 60-minute session per day.

For a complete list of what services will be available beginning July 6, click here.