Burlington Public Library to Take Next Step in Reopening

BURLINGTON — Library Director Michael Wick is pleased to announce that the Burlington Public Library will progress to the next step in its phased reopening plan next month by welcoming patrons back inside the library for the first time since the pandemic began.

Beginning Monday, April 5, the library will be open for in-person services on a by-appointment basis from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday — with an hourlong closure for deep cleaning from noon to 1 p.m. daily. 

Patrons can make appointments for 45-minute blocks of time to browse or use a computer at the library during its operating hours. Appointments can be made online at burlingtonpubliclibrary.org. or over the phone at 781-270-1691. The library’s curbside operation will also continue with expanded hours, with pickups available until 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday. 

“We are tremendously excited to welcome our patrons back into the library and take the next step toward normalcy,” Wick said. “I’m so proud of the work our staff has done over the last year since we had to close our doors, coming up with innovative programming and adapting to continue serving the community over the last year.” 

Since the pandemic forced it to re-think how it connects with the community, the Burlington Public Library has forged a variety of partnerships and pivoted to keep patrons engaged. Over the last year, the library has partnered with a variety of organizations to deliver a wide range of programming, including the Social Justice Series with the Burlington Public Schools, Diwali celebrations with Indian Americans for Burlington and SAT prep courses with ShineIn Math. 

Additionally, the library has modified existing programs and developed new ones to align with the challenges posed by COVID-19. Those have included popup events on the front lawn and a popup book sale, a drive-through food drive for People Helping People and the Quarantine Community Art Project. 

Patrons returning to the library next month will also enjoy significant infrastructure upgrades, including the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, as well as new high-efficiency lighting throughout the building. Both sets of improvements were funded by grants and installed by the Burlington Department of Public Works.

The reopening plan is subject to sustained positive trends in public health data, and social distancing and mask-wearing will be mandatory while inside the library. 

For more information about the library’s phased reopening plans, click here.

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