Westport Library To Open For Curbside Pickup Service On June 15

WESTPORT, CT — The Westport Library will reopen for curbside pickup of books and other materials as soon as June 15, Executive Director Bill Harmer announced on Tuesday. Westport's library has been closed for several weeks due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and it is joining the libraries in Weston, Ridgefield, Darien and New Canaan in offering curbside service beginning on the 15th.

"We are delighted to provide curbside pick-up of books, DVD's and other materials to our patrons," Harmer said. "We miss seeing everyone and are very pleased to be taking these first steps towards our eventual reopening."

Added Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe, "Because executive orders on the reopening of public library buildings are still in development and guidelines are changing often, it is hard to predict when libraries will be allowed to open their buildings. By offering curbside service, the Westport Library has put forth a safe and smart solution that is consistent with our Town-wide approach. In the year since the Library reopened as a transformed institution, it has constantly demonstrated the ability to innovate. This is one more example of innovation and is positive news for our residents and businesses that need access to one of Westport's most valuable assets. The regional approach taken here with our neighboring communities is done in the spirit of us all being in this and getting through this together."

The Westport Library is developing its multi-phased reopening plan in close collaboration with town officials and the Westport-Weston Health District. The first phase of the plan is curbside pickup, and includes a process to safely quarantine returned books and materials.

"Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Westport in early March, together we have had success in slowing the spread of COVID-19 with the use of face covering, gloves and by limiting close contact with others in the community," said Westport Health Director Mark Cooper, who also is head of the Westport Weston Health District. "However, we cannot stay home forever; we all need to meet basic household needs and start the economy going again. By following the Library's well thought out plan to start offering curbside service, and allowing for the safe return of materials, it is another important step in this direction."

Though the Westport Library building has been closed and will remain closed for the time being, its digital resources have been available at all times during the closure.

"With a wide array of digital offerings, including e-books, audiobooks, streaming music and movies, story times with favorite librarians, author talks and more, the Library has continued to provide invaluable educational and entertaining content to the community," officials said.

The library will provide detailed plans and service start dates on its website www.westportlibrary.org — and through its e-newsletter and social media channels — as soon as more information becomes available.