Martha’s Vineyard Library Buildings Plan To Reopen

All six Martha’s Vineyard libraries are pleased to announce their plan to reopen to the public for in-person “Express Services” by the first week of June, 2021. Opening dates, hours and available services will vary by library; patrons should contact their local library or visit its website prior to planning a visit. Vineyard Haven Library will be open for Grab & Go Browsing from 10am to noon on Tuesday May 18th, 1-4pm on Thursday May 20th, and 1-4pm on Saturday May 22nd, with an updated schedule the following week. Appointments are not required except for visiting the Children's Room and for computer use.

“Express Services” will include browsing for books and other materials, holds pickup, access to public computers for one 30-minute session per day, and document services such as scanning, printing, copying, and faxing. Library patrons will be encouraged to keep their visits brief, and time limits may be enforced. Some libraries will be requiring an appointment to enter the building or for access to the Children’s Room.

Safety restrictions will be in place at all libraries, including social distancing and capacity limits. Meeting rooms and study rooms will be closed, indoor seating will be limited, and some areas of the libraries may not be accessible to the public. Children must be accompanied and supervised by their adult caregiver at all times, and indoor play areas will not be available. All patrons over the age of two will be required to wear a face mask covering their nose and mouth, regardless of personal vaccination status. For those unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability, libraries will continue to provide remote services.

Martha’s Vineyard libraries will continue to offer contactless services, including curbside pickup, virtual programs, remote reference assistance, and expanded digital resource offerings. Libraries also have WiFi hotspots and Chromebook computers to check out for use outside the library.

All Martha’s Vineyard libraries are fine-free. We recognize community members have faced significant challenges during the past year and may have checked out items that are now extremely overdue. The libraries wish to assure all patrons that no late fees will be charged on any overdue items returned, no matter how overdue, as long as items are returned in good condition.

“The Vineyard’s libraries have long been a lifeline for our communities,” said Lisa Sherman, President of the Martha’s Vineyard Library Association. “During the pandemic, every Island library rose to the challenge of upholding our shared mission of service. We’ve missed our patrons – and we know they’ve missed our in-person library services. We look forward to expanding our services in the months ahead, and at every library we continue to be committed to sustaining a safe environment for both staff and our patrons.”