Newsletter Correction: There is NO need to overwhelm neighbor libraries opening sooner

In this Newsletter: Expansion Update, Learning Resources and more!

JUNE NEWSLETTER

COVID-19 UPDATE

When can I return my books? Not yet!

We hope all of our library patrons and visitors are healthy and safe. Please know we miss you!

Staff, who have been working from home since March 13, are scheduled to return the week of June 15 and begin accepting returns.

The book drop is tentatively scheduled to open the week of June 15 pending availability of PPE for staff working with returned materials. This date is subject to change.

If you go to return items and the book drop is full, please do not leave items outside of the book drop. Items are still checked out to you and borrowers are responsible for all materials checked out - items must be in a dry and safe location for us to receive them back.

If the Book Drop is full, please hold your items and call the Library at 508-839-4649. We will alert you when it is available for returns.

Some local libraries may be opening their book returns sooner. Please do hold your Grafton items and return them directly to Grafton. (correction) There is NO need to overwhelm neighboring libraries that may be opening sooner. The delivery system is not in operation at this time. Returning Grafton items to Grafton also increases the collection of items available to local patrons when we begin circulating materials again.

The Grafton Public Library will remain closed to the public and begin to circulate new materials via NO-CONTACT TAKEOUT/DELIVERY in July. This estimated date is subject to change pending PPE and other COVID-19 data. We will shift our plan as we have new information.

We do not have a date for reopening to the public or resuming in-person programming at this time.

We are planning a virtual summer reading program, Imagine Your Story; details at www.graftonlibrary.org/srp.

Have you checked out our Library Facebook page or Event Calendar lately? Our amazing, creative and resilient staff is offering online book discussion via Slack (thanks to staff member Heidi Fowler) recordings of storytime (thanks to staff members Sarah Banister and Jennifer McNeil), Dungeons and Dragons online (thanks to staff member Cyndi Zarriello and her son Graham), STEAM programs thanks to staff member Sandhya Shenoy live ukulele singalongs, Mr. Kim, and DIY "Bored" games for home. Please play along, contribute, and share!

The MA Board of Library Commissioners, in partnership with Burbio, has put together a statewide calendar of virtual library programs - feel free to check out what other libraries are doing as well.

We continue to return phone calls and emails daily between 10am-5pm; please don't hesitate to reach out or visit us on Slack or Facebook for suggestions for what to read next, or help with digital resources!

REMINDER: If you don't have a library card, or know someone who needs them, please complete a digital card application and we will issue a card number so you can access OverDrive and all the Grafton Library databases available. When the Library reopens, proof of residency (or proof that you live, work, go to school or own property in Grafton) will be required to get the physical card and check out physical items (books, movies and more).

The Grafton Public Library continues to function as a digital branch! For a complete list of resources, please visit http://www.graftonlibrary.org/digital .

Please continue to wash your hands regularly and if you have any flu-like symptoms, please stay home until you have been symptom free for 24 hours without medication. Check our website for a list of resources for students and for self-quarantined adults.

Finally, if you are desperate for new books and have a little to spare this month, our Friends are conducting a VIRTUAL BOOK FAIR! via Usborne Books from June 1-June 12 2020. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Grafton Library!

Usborne has great, affordable activity books, easy readers, picture books, nonfiction, fiction -- all kinds of items for kids stuck in quarantine, kids celebrating the end of the school year, kids graduating, kids looking for summer leisure reading, and materials to get kids ready to learn for their first school experience!

Shop now at https://u6487.myubam.com/1600044

Usborne consultant Stacie Hebert is available if you need suggestions.

Please note that all Library information comes through either our newsletter, our website, our social media pages, or Town of Grafton.

Thanks for your patience and understanding! We miss you!

Beth Gallaway, Library Director

Expansion Update

Construction Update

Over the last month, CTA completed soil excavation and poured concrete footings! Check out construction photos in albums on our Facebook Page:

Construction

Excavation

For project updates, including construction schedules, meeting minutes, and MBLC reports, please visit www.graftonlibrary.org/thetimeisnow.

Upcoming Library Planning & Building Committee Meetings:

Monday July 6, 2020

Zoom Link TBA

Agenda & Minutes: https://www.grafton-ma.gov/library-planning-building-committee

Town Update

Don’t forget to request your ballot by mail for the Local Annual Election on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Download a form at: https://www.grafton-ma.gov/home/news/local-annual-election-postponement-information or email the Town Clerk with any questions or call 508-839-5335 X1195.

Town hall offices are scheduled to reopen for staff to report Monday June 8, pending availability of PPE and meeting mandatory requirements of Commonwealth of MA to open.

Please click on the RED COVID-19 BANNER on the town website for updates.

Upcoming LIVE Virtual Events

Virtual Book Discussion: Not Just for Young Adults Book Group

Monday, June 8 from 7:30-8:30 pm via Slack

Virtual Program: G.U.M. (Grafton Ukulele Musicians) Monthly Jam

Thursday, June 11 from 6:30-8 pm via Zoom

Virtual Book Discussion: Daytimers' Book Group

Tuesday, June 16 from 1:30-2:30 pm via Slack

Virtual Book Discussion: GPL Mystery Book Group

Tuesday, June 16 from 7:30-8:30 pm via Slack

Virtual Book Discussion: Reads Well With Others Book Group

Tuesday, June 16 from 7:30-8:30 pm via Slack

Virtual Book Discussion: Inspirational Book Group

Tuesday, June 30 from 7:30-8:30 pm via Slack

Ongoing Passive Programs

*NEW* Virtual Summer Reading Program

Be on the look out in June for a special email that will detail our new Virtual Summer Reading Program!

*NEW* #GraftonReads

Join us for on demand, all-ages storytimes now available online!

Virtual Library Babies Storytime

Library Babies, our storytime for ages birth to walking, is now available online!

Virtual Preschool Storytime

Library Babies, our storytime for ages 3-5, is now available online!

Virtual Toddler Time

Library Babies, our storytime for ages walking to 3, is now available online!

Virtual Program: DIY Face Masks

Create face masks at home!