The West Hartford Public Libraries are continuing to expand services, with the children’s collections now open for browsing, by appointment.

West Hartford Libraries Facebook photo

Submitted

The Children’s rooms at Noah Webster and Bishops Corner libraries are now open for browsing appointments. This is the latest expansion of services from West Hartford Public Library, which started curbside service in June, followed by limited browsing of adult collections and computer appointments in August.

“We are so happy to welcome families back to the library,” Carol Waxman, interim library director and head of WHPL’s children’s department said in a new video explaining the changes. “Some things are different, but one thing that is the same is us. Our staff is so excited to welcome children back to the library.”

A limited number of families will be allowed to browse the children’s collections by appointment.

Noah Webster Library is open for browsing adult and children’s collections, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To make a browsing appointment for Noah Webster Library, call 860-561-6980.

Bishops Corner Library is open for browsing adult and children’s collections, Tuesday and Thursday, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. To make a browsing appointment for Bishops Corner, call 860-561-8212.

WHPL has made many changes to the libraries so visitors can check out materials safely and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visitors must make an appointment and check in at the new greeting stations. A mask is required to enter the library.

At Noah Webster Library, visitors must enter through the Blue Back Square entrance. Desks at the libraries are now surrounded in Plexiglas. In order to make it easier for patrons to social distance, furniture and collections have been moved around so people can maintain a safe 6-foot distance from one another.

One other change is there are more new books on the WHPL shelves than ever before.

“While we were closed, we received so many new books and they are everywhere. Our shelves are bursting with new books waiting to be check out,” added Waxman.

West Hartford Public Library current services

 All three libraries continue to offer curbside pickup of requested materials by appointment, virtual programming, access to digital materials and reference and reader’s advisory services by phone, text, chat, and email. With more than 3,000 curbside service appointments in August alone, WHPL continues to see a high demand for library materials. Virtual programming is also in high demand, as nearly 300 people attended nine virtual programs hosted in August.

For a complete list of services and hours, visit the Current Services section of the website.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.