A NOTE FROM LIBRARY DIRECTOR HEATHER BACKMAN

We are actively planning how we will meet the state’s new workplace safety standards so library staff can return to the building. The standards are detailed, and it will take us some time to plan and implement new ways of working. We are approaching this with caution and deliberation — our first priority is to do our best to ensure that staff (and, eventually, patrons) are as safe as possible.

What does this mean for you?

First, we will continue to provide the same things we’ve offered throughout the shutdown —assistance by chat, phone and e-mail; helpful resources through social media and on our website; electronic books, audiobooks, movies, magazines, and newspapers; virtual programs and presentations; and more.

We know that many of you are eager for us to begin offering curbside checkouts of library materials and accepting returned items. These two services will be top of our list once we are back in the building. However, planning may take some time. We will likely begin with limited versions of these services and gradually expand them to make sure that we can provide them effectively and safely while exercising due care to protect you and library staff.

Looking further ahead, we are considering how to bring the community back into the building in future phases. This, too, will be done in careful steps, starting with highly limited access for small numbers of people. As we move through recovery, we will gradually remove restrictions as it becomes safe to do so.

It may be some time until we can welcome our first patrons back through the library doors, but I am heartened that for the first time in several weeks we can start to think about that moment as a concrete possibility.

We will continue to use our eNewsletters, website, social media, and other outlets to share what is changing at the library as we move into recovery and reopening. Please stay tuned for news throughout the next month!

Stay safe, take heart, and I hope we will be able to see you soon!

Fines: If you have library materials at home, there is no need to worry about fines. Due dates have automatically been extended to July 1 for anything that was due in mid-March or later. The library will continue to extend due dates if needed, and forgive any overdue fines that have accrued on returned materials for several weeks after the book drop has been reopened.

For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary, and on Twitter, @HopkintonPLMA.

Summer Backyard Wildlife Virtual Program
Wednesday, June 10, 7-8 p.m.
Find out more about our local wildlife, as well as occasional visitors, and what brings them to our neighborhoods. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary will present this virtual all-ages program. Sign up for admittance to event at: https://bit.ly/3dwqmUO.

Chat ’n’ Chew Virtual Book Group
Wednesday, June 17, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Missing your book club? Consider joining the Chat ’n’ Chew book group next month. Instead of assigning a book for all participants to read, each person reviews something they read this month. The group will meet virtually using Jit.si meet. Fill out a registration form at https://forms.gle/VAftrrRF8rB8ypLj7 and on the day of the meeting participants will be invited to join via e-mail. Check the Facebook events page for more information.

‘Once Upon an Organized House’ Zoom Seminar
Wednesday, June 17, 7-8 p.m.
This fun and free Zoom seminar will give attendees simple ways they can improve organization in their space — helpful ideas on conquering clutter and tackling the papers we all deal with.  Informative and inspirational, all from the comfort of home. Sign up at: https://bit.ly/2U6dxJ4.

Let’s Talk About Mental Health Virtual Discussion
Tuesday, June 23, 7-8:30 p.m.
Join Abbie Rosenberg, founder and executive director of Mental Health Collaborative, and Denise E. McBride Hildreth, an independent licensed clinical social worker from the Mental Health Collaborative, for an informative presentation/discussion about mental health concerns and issues during this unprecedented time. To register as well as introduce potential topics for discussion, fill out this form: https://bit.ly/3dy8VTO.

Virtual Children’s Story Times
Pajama story time for baby, toddler or preschooler. For details, check the library website or Facebook page.

Children’s Summer Reading
Signup begins online June 17. For details, check the library website or Facebook page.