Scranton Library COVID-19 Updates
Posted on May 3, 2021 August 9, 2021 by Sunnie Scarpa
As of Aug. 9th masks are required for all (age 2 and up) while in the library, regardless of vaccination status.
New Haven County is currently an area of high community transmission according to the CDC and masks are required for all at the Library and at all Madison town facilities.
As of Monday, July 26th masks are encouraged for all while inside the Scranton Library. Masks are required for library users over the age of 2 who are unvaccinated. Masks are also required for all when in the Children's Library.
We're very happy to announce that starting May 19th both Library entrances will be open and all seating areas will be available! Now that the Governor has lifted sector guidelines, we look forward to getting other library services back to normal in the coming weeks including self-service copying and faxing, online same day reservations for study rooms, and more.
In an effort to continue providing a comfortable and safe environment for everyone in our community face masks will still be required for all Library visitors and staff.
Due to the large number of young children who visit the Library daily and are not eligible for vaccination at this time, wearing face masks is still the best way to protect our community. Thank you for helping us make the Library a safe place for all.
The Governor has made it clear that businesses, including libraries, may continue to require masking even after the State mandate is lifted. Free, disposable masks are available at the library in both adult and child sizes.
Starting on Monday, May 10th our public restrooms will be open, seating will be greatly expanded, and our hours will begin to go back to normal. Please note that masking and adherence to our health and safety guidelines will still be required. Please note that children too young to wear a mask must stay in a stroller or carrier.
Our new hours will be:
Monday – 9:30am to 5pm
Tuesday – 9:30am to 5pm
Wednesday – 9:30am to 8pm
Thursday – 9:30am to 8pm
Friday – 9:30am to 5pm
Saturday – contactless hold pick up (please call in advance) and computer use by appointment – 9:30am to 1pm
Reservation for our tented stone patio will also be available beginning May 10th. Updated information will be available on our Room Reservations page.
We look forward to further expansion of services and open hours at the end of May when sector guidelines are expected to change and again in July, when our new budget takes effect. Click here to sign up for Library news, so you never miss an announcement!
Please note: In order to offer expanded open hours our Take-Out room will be closing. Please call (203)245-7365 if you are in need of a medical accommodation.
The Library will resume walk-in services beginning Monday, March 1st. Please click here to review our health and safety guidelines before you come to the Library. We can't wait to see you!
Monday & Tuesday 10-12pm & 2-4pm
Wednesday & Thursday 10-12pm, 2-4pm & 5-7pm
Friday 10-12pm & 2-4pm
Saturday – computer appointments only at 10am
We look forward to expanding our hours and services in the coming months. Click here to sign up for Library news, so you never miss an announcement!
Contactless pick-up via our "Take Out Room" and virtual programming will continue at this time. Click here for our full events calendar.
In light of the rising infection rate and recent news that a more contagious COVID-19 variant has been found in New Haven County, the Library will be temporarily closed for walk-in services effective Monday, January 11th. This decision was made in consultation with our local Health Director for the health and safety of our library users and staff, and to ensure that we will not be a contributing factor in community transmission.
The Library will continue offering Take Out & Delivery services, virtual programming, free downloadable books and movies, and phone assistance during all Take Out hours. Additionally, we are now offering Chromebooks for check out. Free WiFi is available in all of our garden, patio, and parking lot areas. Wireless printing services are also available. Just follow the instructions on our website, then call us at (203) 245-7365 to arrange for contactless pick up.
For those of you who will miss browsing our collection, we hope you'll go to our website to see the rotating display of available new books, including selections for young readers on our Children's and Teen pages. We're also happy to make book recommendations over the phone and curate book bundles specific to your reading preferences.
For time sensitive requests that cannot be met through our contactless services, limited appointments will be available at the discretion of Library staff.
We will continue monitoring this situation carefully and look forward to reopening again as soon as safely possible. Until then, take care and stay safe.
As of Monday, November 2nd no appointments will be necessary for browsing, check-out, computer, and study room use Monday – Friday. Computer appointments are available on Saturday mornings.
Our public access hours will also be expanded. Our new hours will be:
Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 10-12pm and 2-4pm
Wednesday and Thursday 2-4pm and 5-7pm
Saturdays, computer appointments only
Our health and safety guidelines have not changed. Please read our full guidelines before you come to the Library.
More information about actions we've taken to protect our community, our timeline for reopening, and the status of other libraries in CT is available here.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions are available here.
Starting Wednesday, September 16th the library will be open by appointment. Click here for full details.
August 31st update regarding library operations: Click Here
Hold pick up services are now available! Details on our new "Take out & Delivery" services can be found here.
June 17th update regarding library reopening plans: Click Here
We at the Scranton Library want you to know that we take the health and well-being of our staff and patrons seriously. For that reason, the Scranton Library will be closed to the public effective Monday, March 16th. Our book drop is closed but be assured that no late fees will be charged while the library is closed. All of our programs have also been suspended.
While the library is closed we invite you to explore everything we have to offer on our website. You can download e-books and audiobooks on Overdrive, stream movies on Kanopy, or browse magazines on
RBdigital.
We know a lot of people in our community have questions about the coronavirus, and as librarians, it's our job to find you reliable answers. Here we have compiled some essential information to help you make informed decisions about your health.
What is COVID-19, or novel coronavirus?
The novel coronavirus is a flu-like respiratory illness. While there are many types of human coronaviruses, COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.
Trusted information sources:
The Madison Health Department has a page with information about the outbreak that contains many helpful tips and links to further information.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has set up a website — accessible in English and Spanish — with a range of information about the current risk to the public, symptoms to watch for, prevention, testing, and advice for schools, communities, and businesses.
What can you do now to stay healthy?
To help slow the spread of this virus, people are being asked to:
Wash your hands frequently. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay home and away from others if you are sick.
Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces frequently.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.