Hello,

I hope this update finds you well. 

We are about to enter our fourth week of social distancing. Our fourth week of online classes, working remotely, curbside pick-ups, and navigating sidewalks responsibly. I've been relying on our e-resources more than ever, maybe you have been, too. Maybe you've mentioned to a friend or neighbor something you've streamed from  Kanopy , or downloaded from  Libby  app, or researched through  Ancestry.com,  and that person has emailed us inquiring about signing up for a library card. 

Our buildings might be offline at the moment, but our e-resources are not; nor is our creative, committed library staff, who are fielding library card questions via email, offering live story times via Facebook, scheduling online book groups, and reaching out to residents to help keep us all thinking, reading, and creating. 

It is sometimes necessary for me to stop by our libraries while they're closed to check book drops, drop off mail, and follow through with a few operational tasks. Walking through Wellington Hall, sometimes with Rocky the pup if he needs to stretch his legs, I'm reminded of Claudia and Jamie Kincaid, the sibling runaways in " From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler," who find sanctuary in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and explore the collections once the doors are locked for the evening. While it's not quite as thrilling as taking a bath in a fountain, or sleeping in a canopy bed from the 16th century, it is striking to see our Central Library so...quiet! I miss you guys! 

And don't worry about your library materials being late! We've got you covered. 

Lastly, for the most up to date information concerning COVID-19, please follow the  Somerville Coronavirus Preparedness and Information webpage.

Stay safe, be well,

Cathy

Director of Libraries