West Hartford Public Library Continues To Expand Services

Press release from West Hartford Public Library:

Sept. 21, 2020

The Children’s rooms at Noah Webster and Bishops Corner libraries are now open for browsing appointments. This is the latest expansion of services from West Hartford Public Library, which started curbside service in June, followed by limited browsing of adult collections and computer appointments in August.

“We are so happy to welcome families back to the library,” Carol Waxman, interim library director and head of WHPL’s children’s department said in a new video explaining the changes. “Some things are different, but one thing that is the same is us. Our staff is so excited to welcome children back to the library.”

A limited number of families will be allowed to browse the children’s collections by appointment.

Noah Webster Library is open for browsing adult and children’s collections, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To make a browsing appointment for Noah Webster Library, call 860-561-6980.

Bishops Corner Library is open for browsing adult and children’s collections, Tuesday and Thursday, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. To make a browsing appointment for Bishops Corner, call 860-561-8212.

WHPL has made many changes to our libraries so visitors can check out materials safely and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visitors must make an appointment and check in at our new greeting stations. A mask is required to enter the library. At Noah Webster Library, visitors must enter through our Blue Back Square entrance. Desks at our libraries are now surrounded in Plexiglas. In order to make it easier for patrons to social distance, we moved furniture and collections around so people can maintain a safe six-foot distance from one another.

One other change is there are more new books on our shelves than ever before.

“While we were closed, we received so many new books and they are everywhere. Our shelves are bursting with new books waiting to be check out,” added Waxman.

West Hartford Public Library
Current Services

All three libraries continue to offer curbside pickup of requested materials by appointment, virtual programming, access to digital materials and reference and reader's advisory services by phone, text, chat, and email. With more than 3,000 curbside service appointments in August alone, we continue to see a high demand for library materials. Our virtual programming is also in high demand, as nearly 300 people attended nine virtual programs we hosted in August.

For a complete list of services and hours, visit the Current Services section of our website.

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