Westport Coronavirus: Library Cancels Programming, Book Sale

WESTPORT, CT — In an effort to stop the potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Westport Library is canceling all of its in-person programming for the month of March, and also is canceling the annual book sale scheduled for this weekend. The library will remain open for the time being.

On Tuesday, Gov. Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency in the state to deal with COVID-19, which has infected at least two Connecticut residents and at least two health care workers who work in the state but live in New York.

The Darien Library is taking a similar approach and canceling its programming, according to officials.

COVID-19 preparations on Tuesday led to the town's public school system to delay opening for two hours to allow for staff to pull together materials for students in the event of a prolonged school closure.

"The Library will continue to remain open to patrons during this period," said the Westport Library's Executive Director Bill Harmer in a statement. "According to CDC guidelines, we are being extra vigilant about disinfecting all surfaces and encourage you to use the hand sanitizers placed throughout the building.

"We ask that patrons be considerate of others and please stay at home if you are not feeling well."

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The canceled book sale was scheduled for March 13-15, but the library is still planning to hold its annual summer book sale July 18-21 at Staples High School.

"The well-being of our volunteers and our patrons is paramount," said Jocelyn Barandiaran, president of Westport Book Sale Ventures. "We sincerely thank everyone who had offered to volunteer at the book sale, and everyone who was looking forward to shopping. Your support of the Book Sale and the Westport Library is so greatly appreciated."

Below is Harmer's announcement:

With the news from Governor Lamont on Monday related to the Coronavirus and meetings or gatherings, the Westport Library has decided to postpone or cancel its in-person programming for the month of March.

Because of the extensive audio visual technology we have available, the Library has the capacity to live stream events. We are currently in conversation with several of the speakers scheduled for this month to see if it is possible to provide some programs via live streaming on our website. Please check the website regularly for details.

The Library will continue to remain open to patrons during this period. According to CDC guidelines, we are being extra vigilant about disinfecting all surfaces and encourage you to use the hand sanitizers placed throughout the building.

We ask that patrons be considerate of others and please stay at home if you are not feeling well.

Finally, we hope that patrons will continue to take advantage of the Library’s extensive downloadable and streaming digital resources. eAudiobooks, eBooks, eMagazines, music, movies, and many other entertaining and educational resources are available to all cardholders.

Please call the Library if you need assistance at 203.291.4800.

The Library is continuing to assess the situation and will keep you apprised of any further developments.

With kind regards,

Bill Harmer

Executive Director

bharmer@westportlibrary.org

Below is Barandiaran's announcement:

Westport Book Sales announced that, in light of Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont's and Westport First Selectman James Marpe's recommendations to the public to avoid large gatherings, the Spring Book Sale, scheduled for March 13 through 15, 2020, is canceled.

"The well-being of our volunteers and our patrons is paramount. We sincerely thank everyone who had offered to volunteer at the book sale, and everyone who was looking forward to shopping. Your support of the Book Sale and the Westport Library is so greatly appreciated," said Jocelyn Barandiaran, President of Westport Book Sale Ventures.

"Keep bringing your gently used books to the Book Donation Center in the Library’s Upper Parking Lot — we’re going to have a terrific selection for the giant Summer sale in July!" Books are also always available for sale in the Westport Library Café.

The Summer Book Sale is scheduled for Saturday July 18th through Tuesday July 21st, 2020, in its new indoor, air conditioned location, Westport’s Staples High School, at 70 North Avenue.

The Book Donation Center is located in the Library’s Upper (Levitt) Parking Lot adjacent to the Library, and is open every day that the Library is open.

In February 2020, the Westport Library announced that, going forward, library book sales would be operated by Westport Book Sale Ventures, Inc. Westport Book Sale Ventures is an independent non-profit with the dual social mission of raising funds to support the Westport Library, while providing meaningful employment for adults with disabilities.

To support our dual mission, and for more information, or to be added to our mailing list, visit Westport Book Sales’ website at www.westportbooksales.org