Peabody Institute Library Reopens To Public

PEABODY, MA — The Peabody Institute Library this week reopened its doors for browsing and computer use for the first time since the onset of the coronavirus health crisis more than a year ago.

Computers are available by appointment with the library also holding a pop-up in its courtyard for holds and new materials.

The main library is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The south and west branches are not yet open to the public, but book return is available at all locations.

Browsing is allowed for most collections, including the children's and new materials sections. Items can be picked up in the courtyard lobby at any time with appointments for pickup no longer necessary. Curbside pickup is being suspended so users will have to enter the courtyard lobby to retrieve materials — special accommodations can be made by contacting library staff.

The library also has a new MeeScan kiosk and phone app for self-checkout.

Computers can be reserved for one-hour blocks of time here. Extensions are not allowed because of limited capacity and cleaning regulations. Users are allowed one appointment per day person and masks must be worn at all times.

Appointments will be held for up to 10 minutes after start time before being released to anyone waiting. Staff will sanitize each computer after each use and sanitizer will be provided for users.

Online meetings and cell phone calls are not permitted.

Masking and social distancing must be adhered to at all times within the library. Eating and drinking is not allowed.

Users are asked to stay home if sick or diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days.

The elevator is limited to one person or one household at a time.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

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