| March 13, 2020
Dear Belmont Library Patrons,
The Belmont Public Library is working closely with the Town Administrator, Chief of Police and Directors of Recreation, Council on Aging and other Town leadership to monitor the latest information and guidelines provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). We have made some decisions together currently focused on town-wide programming efforts, while we consider further needs related to building services.
We have chosen to close to the public today, Friday, March 13, at 12:30pm, and will remain closed this weekend while further considerations can be managed.
The Library’s highest priority is the health and well-being of library users, volunteers, and staff. To help ensure that our library is safe and welcoming to all, we have implemented a strategy that prioritizes prevention and we currently are taking the following measures:
- In response to the Governor’s State of Emergency declaration and recommendation that non-essential gatherings be cancelled, we are suspending all library programs for the foreseeable future, and again will be closed today at 12:30pm and for this upcoming weekend.
- All Library fines will be waived.
- We are also closing our public meeting rooms to outside use and will be in touch with any group scheduled to use these spaces.
- You will find hand sanitizers throughout the library and soon will see wall-mounted sanitizers, which were ordered two weeks ago; we are awaiting their arrival. Our restrooms have plenty of hot water and soap for washing hands.
- We are focusing on the cleaning of high-touch areas, such as door handles, stair railings, public computers, and other surfaces.
- There is COVID-19 information posted throughout the library building.
- We are removing toys, puzzles, and games from our public areas. We will re-introduce these popular items as soon as we feel it is safe to do so.
The Town Hall Complex, the Belmont Public Library and the Beech Street Center remain open during normal business hours for residents to access critical services. We ask that residents utilize online services, or utilize telephone or email to contact offices to the extent possible. We ask that residents who have to visit the library and other town buildings practice social distancing (6 feet). Please note that as circumstances continue to change the availability of these facilities will be subject to change.
Things are changing quickly and the library will continue to work closely with Belmont Town Leadership and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to determine if other actions are warranted. Please check the Library website and social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for frequent updates.
Remember – here are a few things you can do to help take care of your health and help protect others:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water (20 seconds of scrubbing) or use alcohol-based hand cleaners (cover all surfaces and rub until dry).
- Cough/sneeze into a tissue. Dispose of used tissues immediately into a trash can. If you don’t have a tissue, cough/sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, which accelerates the spread of infections.
- If you’re not feeling well, please stay home.
- Visit https://www.belmont-ma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/covid-19-information-for-the-town-of-belmont-find-all-updates-here for the latest Town updates and information on COVID-19.
Finally, sharing accurate information from trusted sources is critical to reduce misinformation. Find reliable and current information about the outbreak from local, state, and national agencies below.
The Town has opened a dedicated COVID-19 informational phone line and email address: call 617-993-2222 Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm, or email belmonteoc@belmont-ma.gov with inquiries.
We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
Your Library Director,
Peter J. Struzziero
Trusted Health Resources
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