Stratford Library To Reopen After Months-Long Coronavirus Closure

STRATFORD, CT — The Stratford Library will reopen to the public next week after it was closed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic. The opening 10 a.m. Monday marks Phase 4 of the library's Pandemic Plan for Operation.

"We are thrilled to open our doors and appreciate our patrons’ patience as we continue to plan for the coming months, making the safety of our staff and patrons our top priority," Library Director Sheri Szymanski said in a news release.

Under the library's operation plan, a greeter will welcome library patrons at the rear entrance — which will be the only entry available to the public — to keep track of the number of people in the building at 2203 Main St. Patrons will be required to wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing. There will be no seating available and “brisk browsing” will be encouraged.

The reopened library will offer:

• Computers by appointment in the teen and adult departments.
• Browsing and borrowing in the main lobby. Adult and teen areas will open Aug. 3 and the newly renovated children’s department will be available at a later date to be announced.
• Library takeout services for patrons who are concerned about entering the space. The library encourages people who are comfortable going to grocery stores and running other errands, however, to transition to coming into the lobby to pick up their materials.

The library’s online programs and services are still in place and librarians continue to answer more than 1,500 inquiries per month, providing help with online services and reference questions, and assisting people with how to use technology to connect to family from a distance. People of all ages have participated in online book discussions, concerts, preschool storytimes, craft and trivia nights, and other virtual programs — finding ways to learn, create and share while staying home.

For more information, visit www.stratfordlibrary.org, call 203-385-4164 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, or email the library at stratfordlibrary.org/about/#contact.