The Southwick Public Library is offering curbside pickup beginning June 1. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS PHOTO)
SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Public Library has begun opening its shelves via curbside pickup.
According to Library Director Lynn Blair, patrons can fill out a form, posted on the library website and Facebook page, and requests will be filled as items are available.
“Patrons are also welcome to place their own holds online or give us a call at 413-569-1221,” said Blair. “Once a patron calls or submits a form, we will pull them items they are looking for and give them a call back. We ask that when patrons are on their ways, they give us a call and we will leave their items outside.”
Last week, library staff returned to the building on Feeding Hills Road to answer calls and the book drop was opened.
“We ask patrons if they have materials to return, please drop them off so we can begin processing the large amount of returns we’re expecting,” Blair said. “We look forward to being back to serving our community.”
Despite the building being closed, the Southwick Public Library services continued.
“During the pandemic, our staff has continued to provide services to our patrons,” said Blair. “We offer downloadable materials through Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla. We’ve continued to provide patrons technology help when they run into issues with either program. We’ve also created a COVID-19 Community Resource Guide for our patrons which collects many of the resources that our patrons may need into one list.”
Blair said with so much information being sent out to people these days, “we thought it would be less overwhelming to collate the resources all in one place.”
AMY BLAIR
“In addition, we have also expanded our social media presence and began virtual programming,” she said. “So far, we’ve had a successful genealogy class and a virtual chat with myself and the assistant director.”
The library hosted we a “BYOB”- Bring Your Own Book- Book Club and in June will bring more educational Zoom meets as well as two trivia nights — one for local history and the other for 80’s trivia. Anyone is welcome to join by emailing [email protected].
Blair said once the doors are fully open, processes will be adjusted for safety.
“We will likely limit the number of patrons allowed in at once. We will practice all social distancing guidelines and ask our patrons to do the same,” Blair said. “We want to make sure our staff and patrons are protected and comfortable knowing that we are taking every precaution and have everyone’s well-being as a first priority.”
Returned items will be quarantined for a period of time, as discussed with the Board of Health.
“At this time, we are not sure when programs will be able to resume and are anticipating hosting digital programs at least through the end of summer,” she said. “Curbside pickup will be running even when we have opened to the public for those who still may not feel comfortable about entering the building.”
Blair said everyone at the library is happy to serve the community in-person.
“We look forward to seeing our patrons again,” she said.
