COVID-19 Information & Library Status

Status of the Library, Updated Monday, June 14th

The state mandate has been lifted, but be mindful that children and many others have not yet been vaccinated. Masks are still advised if you have not been fully vaccinated. In the meantime, when you visit us you’ll find that much of the library’s seating has been restored and the greeter desk has been removed. There are still some limits on the use of study and meeting rooms, ask at the reference desk for details.

Curbside service continues to be available as well.

What’s Available What’s Not Available
Curbside pickup
Online resources and virtual programs
Returning library materials
Self check-out
Public computers (one hour limit)
Printers, scanners, copiers, fax machine
Restrooms
Reference help and book suggestions
Grab & Go Book Bundles service
Wi-Fi in the building and parking lot
Laptop loans at the library
Museum passes (limited)
Interlibrary loan
Tablet and hotspot loans to take home
Newspapers
Now Available! Study rooms
Meeting rooms
Children’s toys
In-library jigsaw puzzle
Donating items to the book sale
In-person services at the MacKay Branch
Computer Use

Computers are available for public use. We also have laptops for use in the parking lot and tablets and Wi-Fi hotspots that can be checked out.

Occupancy Capacity

The library no longer has a reduced occupancy limit. We still ask that patrons please be mindful of other patrons as you browse. Please maintain physical distance and move on when you’re finished to allow other patrons access to library materials. We want everyone to feel comfortable.

Keeping Each Other Safe

Wearing a mask is advised to enter the library if you have not been vaccinated. Curbside pickup and staff assistance (for selecting titles and services like faxing and printing) are available for anyone who chooses not to enter the building.

Keeping the building clean and safe is still our top priority! During your visit, you’ll notice plastic barriers at the service desks and you’ll also see our maintenance staff routinely disinfecting high-touch areas and restrooms. Hand sanitizer is available at all service desks, self-check computers, copiers, printers, and other areas. Please use these as you touch materials in the building.

All of our decision-making is guided by information from the Board of Library Commissioners, the MA Library System, the Board of Health and state and local recommendations. If the COVID-19 situation worsens, we may need to revert to a prior Phase’s guidelines.

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Stay Updated

As the situation changes, we will continue to provide updates as quickly as possible. Be sure to sign up for our Library newsletter to receive updates immediately!

COVID-19 Resources on the Internet

  • CDC – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s landing page for the national response to COVID-19.
  • Town of Chelmsford Vaccine Updates
  • Coronavirus.gov – US government website compiling information about COVID-19 advice for the public, and the government’s response.
  • MA Government – The Massachusetts state government’s page detailing the state’s COVID-19 response and resources.
  • National Institutes of Health – For information about coronavirus’s health effects.
  • Congress – Congress.gov gives you access to the full text of bills considered and passed by the US Congress, including current legislation such as the CARES Act.
  • COVID-19 PSA: Chelmsford Community Services – Jen Melanson, Chelmsford’s Community Services Coordinator, with info for Chelmsford residents who may need help with food assistance, mental health resources, or other social services, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please reach out to Jen at 978 770-7687 or at jmelanson@chelmsfordma.gov
  • The Q – A new Chelmsford Telemedia talk show from Lisa Marrone along with three colleagues. It’s all about Questions related to the Quarantine.