Covid Re-Opening Plans: Updated

Watertown Library has started limited browsing on the adult side of the library. The Children's Room is also open for limited browsing for up to 15 borrowers.

Browsing and Safety

We ask our patrons to follow our directional arrows, signs, and wear a mask. Hand Sanitizer is available at the entrance and exit as well as throughout the publicly accessible areas. In order to maintain safe, social distancing: 14 browsers at a time may enter. Please plan for a maximum 30 minute visit.

Areas open to browse include:

• New Books, both fiction and nonfiction in the adult collection.
• The Adult Mystery Collection
• The Audio Book Collection
• The DVD / Blu-Ray Collection
• The CD Collection

All other areas of the library are closed stacks. the library staff will retrieve any books you request in those areas.

No Bathrooms are open to the public.

Curbside Service is still available.

If you need help deciding what to read, library staff will help you with book selection. If you have a reference question, please do not hesitate to use our services. Please call us at (860) 945-5360 or send an email to reference@watertownlibrary.org.

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Update Your Library Card

A valid Watertown Library Card is required. If you need to acquire or update your library card please email us at reference@watertownlibrary.org or call us at 860-945-5360.

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Children's Room

Limited Browsing for up to 15 borrowers is available in the Children's Room.

Areas open on the children's side include:
• The Picture Book Collection on the curved wall
• Board Books
• First Readers
• Fiction Chapter Books
• Movies on DVD
• Take home coloring and other fun

The library staff will retrieve any other available items for you from our closed areas.

There are no toys, games or seating available.

Browsers are asked to limit their visits to 30 minutes.

Please follow all directional arrows, signage, wear a mask, and be mindful of other browsers by using safe social distancing.

Individualized Grab-and-Go Bags of Children's Books are also available. Call ahead to let us know your child's age and interests and a staff member will put together a collection of books for you to pick up curbside.

Please Note: No Public Restrooms are available.

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Available Workstations

We have one public library workstation available for using the libary catalog. Staff will clean it between uses. The Watertown Library Catalog is available on any device that connects to the internet. We can guide you by phone if you need assistance, call us at 860-945-5360.

There are two public library workstations available for using the internet by appointment . These are one hour per day timeslots.

Please call the library at (860) 945-5360 to schedule your time.

The library staff will not be available to assist you at any workstaion do to safety requirements. You may bring one person to help you at the library workstaion. You must let us know this is happening when you call to reserve your spot. These workstations will be cleaned between uses by the library staff.

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Printing Services

Printing is available from these workstations The cost is 25 cents per black & white side per page and 50 cents per color side per page. The printer is in the staff area, you may pick up your printing and pay with cash or check at the circulation desk. You will be charged for all pages. Be sure you only print what you want.

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Available Work Spaces

There are four individual work spaces available to reserve for two hours per day by appointment. These work spaces are availble for you to use your own laptop, other internet connected device or for quiet study, etc.

Please call the library at (860) 945-5360 to schedule your time.

Each work space must be cleaned by the library staff between uses.

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Donations

The library is not accepting any donations at either the Watertown Library or the Oakville Branch Library. Please contact the Friends of the Watertown Library directly concerning donations to the BOOK NOOK (wtnfriends@sbcglobal.net).

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Returns

Returns are only received in the book drops at the the Watertown Library (470 Main Street, Watertown) or the Oakville Branch Library (55 Davis Street, Oakville).

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All times and services are subject to change. Please contact the library to confirm hours, available services, etc.

We know it is a lot to take in, please be aware that the health and safety of our patrons and staff remains are top priority. Any changes and restrictions to library access and services have been made in order to best serve you, our patrons, while still maintaining your safety and the health & safety of our staff.

Your understanding and co-operation is appreciated.