On March 4, Governor Lamont announced that the capacity limitations for libraries will be lifted, effective March 19th. The Blackstone Library Board of Trustees is monitoring the situation very closely and staff continues to move toward a full re-opening. Our priority is to continue providing library services without risking the health of our patrons and staff.
In order to do this, the social distancing restriction will need to be lifted. The Governor’s order eliminates the 50% capacity limit, but the state’s sector rules remain in effect. Therefore, the 6 feet of social distancing space is still a requirement limiting the capacity in the building. These sector limitations also require personal protection for staff, cleaning plans, logging employees’ on-site to permit contact tracing, and installation of physical barriers. The local positivity rate also needs to be lower and more of our staff and patrons need to be vaccinated.
Nearly all of the library’s regular services are available by appointment at this time.
The Blackstone Library is currently open regular hours, Monday – Thursday 9am – 8pm and Friday & Saturday 9am – 5pm. The Library remains closed on Sundays. Please note that our restrooms and water fountain are not open at this time. Masks and social distancing restrictions are still in effect.
Browse the Adult, DVD, Teen and Children’s shelves – In order to limit exposure, please limit your visit to 15 minutes. Please call 203-488-1441 and press 318 to schedule an appointment for non-fiction browsing, 315 for fiction and dvds, and 321 for children and teens.
Computer Lab – Beginning March 15, one-hour sessions for access to MS Office and the internet will be available from 9:30-10:30 am, 2-3 pm, and 6-7 pm. Scanner, copier, and printer are also available in the Computer Lab. Please contact Reference at 203-488-1441 x 318 the day before your visit to make an appointment. In order to limit exposure, appointments are limited to one per day.
Teen & Children’s Computers – Beginning March 15, one-hour sessions will be available from 9:30-10:30 am, 2-3 pm, and 6-7 pm. Please call 203-488-1441 x 321 the day before your visit to make an appointment. In order to limit exposure, appointments are limited to one per day.
Reading Room – Beginning March 15, open during regular hours for magazines and newspapers. Please call Reference at 203-488-1441 x 318 to make a 15 minute appointment. In order to limit exposure, appointments are limited to one per day.
Contactless pickup of library materials is always available, including books, movies, and specialty items.
Print-from-home If you simply need to print a document, you can now upload the file online for printing and pick-up when ready.
Virtual classes and events We offer a wide variety of free programs for all ages. All classes and events are virtual, unless otherwise noted.
Virtual tech help Available by email, phone, or Zoom meeting. Call Reference at 203-488-1441 x318 to set up an appointment or for more information.
Need a library card? Apply online and we’ll mail your card right away!
Free WIFI is available in our parking lot and our digital library is always open. Get access to thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, movies, and more. Access Consumer Reports, science journals, and business mailing lists, and so much more. Learn all about our digital resources here.