Boston Public Library Shares How We're Reopening

Press release from the Boston Public Library:

May 27, 2021

Last updated Thursday, May 27

The Central Library in Copley Square will reopen for limited in-person services on June 1st. On June 14, those services will be expanded, and all branch libraries not currently under reconstruction are planned to reopen. All reopening plans follow the latest city and state public health guidance.

Central Library in Copley Square

Central Library Hours

Starting June 1st

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Walk-up services

• Browse select books in the building
• Other materials can be retrieved by staff on request
• Pick up holds
• Check out books, CDs, and DVDs
• Spend time in the courtyard
• Renew your library card
• Use public computers and print
• Make photocopies

On June 14, all remaining public floors will be open for browsing, the Children’s Library and Teen Central will open, and the Book Delivery Desk in the McKim Building will be accessible to the public.

Services by appointment

Research Collections

For use of in-library use only materials such as books and microfilm, please email ask@bpl.org or call 617.859.5400. We will set up a time for you to view materials. Appointments will not be necessary starting on June 14.

Some collections remain unavailable at this time, such as Special Collections and Archival Center materials.

Kirstein Appointments

Book your 90-minute window to use the Kirstein Business Library & Innovation Center. During our limited opening, this space is for Business Research, Job Seeking or Small Business & Entrepreneurial Research only.

• 90-minute session maximum, 3 sessions per week
• 1 patron per session
• Face mask required in space

InnoLAB

Book time in our InnoLAB. This is a space for audio, video and music production only.

• 120-minute session maximum per day, 3 sessions per week
• 1 patron allowed in space
• Adults 18+ only with valid BPL Library Card
• Face mask required
• Leave time at the end of your session to pack up equipment and save your work

Bloomberg

Book time on our Bloomberg terminal. This resource offers access to business, stock market, and financial news

• Use of the Bloomberg terminal is restricted to Bloomberg research only
• 90-minute session maximum per day, 3 sessions per week
• 1 patron per session
• Face mask required

Small Business Legal Consultations

Are you a small business or entrepreneur with a legal question? Kirstein has partnered with the Am50 global law firm, Goodwin, to offer virtual monthly small business legal consultations.

• Booking Window: Second Thursday (5:00-7:00 pm EST) and Fourth Thursday (10:00-12:00 pm EST) of the month
• Consultations are intended only for small businesses/entrepreneurs
• Topics are limited to: Corporations and Other Entities, Commercial Lease, Contract Law, Debt/Loans
• Intellectual Property Appointments (4th Thursday on the month session only)
• Consultations are 20 minutes in duration
• Zoom invite to be sent prior to appointment

Branch Libraries

We intend to open all branches not currently under construction on June 14. You will be able to pick up holds and check out books, spend time browsing, use the library’s computers for limited time slots and print, and make photocopies. Additionally, branch exterior spaces such as courtyards or reading gardens will be accessible as well.

Until branches reopen, you can continue to rely on the BPL To Go program to check out items from your preferred location. Once the branches have reopened, you will no longer need to make an appointment to pick up your holds, and can pick up your items at the front desk during open hours as normal.

The adjusted branch hours will be made available shortly.

Safety Requirements

When you visit any library location, you will be required to wear a mask over your nose and mouth at all times and abide by all staff instructions regarding safety.

You will not be allowed to eat or drink inside the libraries or to use meeting rooms during this initial reopening phase.

Future Services

We will be reopening additional services and spaces at the Central Library in the coming weeks, such as public meeting rooms, Art and Architecture Tours, and in-person programming, as staffing levels and staffing capacity return to normal.

Throughout the summer, programs for all ages will be available outdoors at many branch locations, from storytimes to ESL Conversation Circles.

This press release was produced by the Boston Public Library. The views expressed are the author's own.