To the Reading Public Library Community:
We can’t wait until we can welcome you back into our physical library building! It’s been a challenging time as we worked to make sure you had access to digital resources and services and clear channels to communicate with us. Thank you for attending our virtual events and for your patience as we work out protocols around making technology work for large groups online.
In cooperation with other town departments, RPL staff has been working on how best to restart our in-library and in-person services when that time comes. Above all else, when we reopen the library to the public, it will be done in the safest way possible for our patrons and staff. Town and state public health leaders are helping us to develop and implement new procedures as part of a phased opening. We are in close contact with Reading’s Emergency Response/Incident Command teams and once we receive the green light, we will begin the first phase of a multi-stage reopening process.
The first phase will begin with the returning of library materials.
Over 18,000 items have been checked out since March, and we know everyone is ready to return these items. We are working on a plan to safely accept and check-in these returns. We will be sending out guidance on this process soon.
The second phase will allow contactless curbside pick-up.
We are hard at work on plans for curbside pick-up service for borrowing of materials, and are excited to eventually offer this service in a manner that ensures safety for both the public and our staff. During this second phase, we will be working on the subsequent stages that will entail limited opening of the building to the public as advised and permitted by the Board of Health and other state guidelines.
Summer Reading is on!
Staff are gearing up for our Summer Reading Program: Reading Together. Reading Together for kids, teens, and adults starts online June 19th and is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Reading Public Library.
Where to see us!
All RPL virtual programs including tons of storytimes, poetry month readings, book recommendations, and recordings of our adult programs are all featured on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ReadingPublicLibrary/videos
Keep in mind
- There are no fines or fees for overdue material.
- You can subscribe to receive updates about the library and its opening status: http://eepurl.com/bwpOT
- Visit “RPL @ Home Page” (https://www.readingpl.org/rpl-home/) where you will find downloadable books and resources for all ages.
Thank you again for your patience and understanding.
Amy Lannon
Director, Reading Public Library
