Attleboro Public Library – Services Update
While our building remains closed to the public, in accordance with the recently updated State Guidelines for safe reopening of public libraries (https://www.mass.gov/doc/libraries-protocol-summary/download), the Attleboro Public Library is pleased to announce that we continue to offer scheduled Curbside pickup for library materials that are currently in our building!
Curbside pickup is offered by appointment only. A variety of day and evening touchless pickup times are available. When the items you request are available, library staff will call you to schedule a convenient time to pick up your items. For the safety of staff and other patrons, please do not stop by the library without an appointment.
Visit attleborolibrary.org to view our “Curbside FAQ” page for more information and a video tutorial on how to place holds online (https://attleborolibrary.org/2020/06/curbside-pickup-now-available-2/)
Our 24 hour book drop is also now open to accept returns of all items. Please note that all returned items will be put into a seven day quarantine in our building before they are checked-in. The library is taking this added precaution based on the recommendations of the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC), which states, on their website at
that “In the absence of definitive, peer-reviewed research about the viability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on various surfaces, the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) recommends a 7-day quarantine of collection items as the safest and most effective way to disinfect them after handling by staff and patrons.”
Therefore, returned items will continue to show as “checked out” on patron library cards until the seven day quarantine has ended. Due dates for all items have been extended to July 9. The Library is not charging overdue fines until further notice.
We anticipate that the Statewide Library Delivery Service will begin limited operations during the week of June 22. This resumption of service will allow us to provide library cardholders with access to materials from other libraries both in our SAILS Library Network and beyond. However, due to quarantine times, and access limitations due to the staggered reopening dates of libraries around the state, we expect wait times for materials to be longer than usual.
Helpful staff are onsite at the library and available to take your phone calls during the following hours: Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, 12:30-8:30 pm on Thursdays and Saturdays from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Please call us for assistance in requesting specific titles or for any Reference questions. Please call the front desk at 508-222-0157 or the Children’s Room at 508-222-7820. Or contact us by email to the Circulation Department at atcirc@sailsinc.org, the Children’s Room at attleborokids@sailsinc.org, or the Reference Department at apl_ref@sailsinc.org.
Library staff can create “book bundles” for readers of all ages.
If you would like a stack of books (or DVDs) chosen just for you, contact the Children’s Room for items up to eighth grade, or the Reference Desk for teen and adult materials.
Readers can also submit their preferences online by visiting the attleborolibrary.org and clicking on “Readers Advisory” under the “Services” tab (https://attleborolibrary.org/services/ra/).
We do not yet have an anticipated date for the resumption of in-library services. We are awaiting further guidance by the State.
In addition, admitting public to the library will require quantities of PPE supplies that are not yet available to us. More details will be provided as next steps are decided.
Please know that we are here for you, our community. Our virtual programs and outreach will continue. Summer Reading programs for all ages begin on June 19. Visit the Event Calendar on our website for details on programs for Children and Adults or click on the Summer tab to learn more about Summer Reading. Please contact the Library if you need assistance or have any questions about our current offerings.
The library staff appreciate the support of the Library Board of Trustees and the Friends of Attleboro Public Library and all of our loyal library users during this challenging time. We thank the Pleasant Street location of Stop & Shop for their generous donation of paper bags for our curbside deliveries.
Visit our website at https://attleborolibrary.org/ follow us on Facebook and Instagram @attleborolibrary.