Reopening Updates and Service Offerings
COVID-19 Update: March 3, 2022
Due to the decline in COVID-19 cases in Barre and beyond, the Board of Library Trustees voted to make masks mostly optional in the building starting on March 21, 2022. Masks will still be required when physical distancing isn’t possible, such as during technology assistance appointments or programs requiring close contact, to help ensure the health and safety of our patrons, community, and staff.
Patrons who are uncomfortable about entering the building may inform library staff that they would prefer outdoor service when making an appointment to pick up item holds; if possible, please notify staff upon arrival at the parking lot entrance. Staff will work with these patrons regarding any additional needs. The outdoor book return remains unlocked at all times for items other than library technology.
The library’s COVID-19 policies are subject to change. Updates will appear on our website, Wowbrary newsletter, Facebook, at our parking lot entrance, in the Barre Gazette, and our voicemail message.
Please contact the library at 978-355-2533 or barrelibrary@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns. We thank you for your support and understanding as we’ve navigated this situation as best we can to help keep the community safe, and look forward to seeing you soon!
Woods Memorial Library Staff
Barre Board of Library Trustees
Material Returns
With the exception of library technology, patrons may return library material to the outdoor book drop or an indoor book drop at either Circulation Desk. The outdoor book drop remains open at all times.
Library technology must be returned to a staff member at the circulation desk from which it was checked out.
All returned library material will be quarantined for 24 hours whenever the UV-C sterilization device is unavailable and/or for materials that cannot go into it. After sterilization or quarantine, library staff will check items in according to the return date when known.
Outdoor Material Pickup Appointments
The appointment system for picking up library material continues during our regular open hours, although they are not required to pick up item holds in the building; however, library cards must be presented to a staff member prior to receiving items.
Items are placed in a paper bag marked with the initials of your first and last names, plus the last four digits of your library card number.
Present your library card to a staff member at the Circulation Desk in the Children’s Room. Staff will retrieve the bag of material for you and mark it delivered in the system, which will check the items out and send the due date(s) via email or text. Staff will print due date slips upon request.
For patrons who are uncomfortable about entering the building, please inform library staff that you would prefer outdoor service when making an appointment to pick up item holds and, if possible, notify staff upon your arrival at the parking lot entrance.