Watertown Public Library To Reopen By End Of July

WATERTOWN, MA — The Watertown Free Public Library will reopen to the public on Monday. Using the library will be a very different experience until coronavirus is no longer a major health concern, library officials said.

"We are very excited to invite our patrons back. Unfortunately, we cannot offer all of the services that so many have been able to depend on, but it won’t be forever," an WFPL spokesperson said in a statement.

New Hours

During this phase of reopening, the new hours are:

for elderly and high-risk individuals only

• Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 10 AM

for all patrons

• Monday - Thursday: 10 AM - 7 PM
• Friday: 10 AM - 5 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM - 12 PM
• Sunday: Closed

What You Can Do

The library will be open for browsing with limited capacity. This means that patrons who comply with library health and safety rules are able to enter the building to select library materials and check them out. Librarians will be able to help choose books and direct patrons in the right direction. Notary services will be available by appointment.

Masks or face coverings that cover the nose will be required for entrance and must stay on the entire time a patron is inside the library. Social distance and directional markers will be clear throughout the building. Patrons will be required to adhere to social distance rules. Library staff will be monitoring the space for capacity and adherence to social distancing.

The library is reopening with a capacity limit of 120 patrons in the building at a given time. Patrons may need to wait in line before entering if the library reaches that capacity.

What You Can’t Do

• Public computers
• Newspapers
• Study rooms
• Meeting rooms
• Study space
• Toys and play space
• Lounging and social activities
• On site programs and meetings