Southworth Library patrons have likely noticed some changes being made to the library parking lot.

Entrance, Exit, and Do Not Enter signs have been installed, and the traffic pattern for the lot has been changed to one-way.

These changes are in preparation for the installation of a drive-up book return in the Southworth Library parking lot. Currently, patrons have to park and leave their car to return items to either book return. Because of this, people often stop their car near the back entrance and leave it running and blocking traffic as they dash to the book return.

"It is neither safe nor convenient," said Library Director Lynne Antunes.

The new book return will be identical to the one installed at Town Hall. Drivers will be able to pull their cars right up to the book return and drop their library materials into the slot. The one-way traffic pattern is to allow for drivers to pull up to the book return.

"It was recommended to improve the overall safety of the lot," said Antunes. "The book return should be in place by the end of September."

Antunes said the Southworth Library parking lot is heavily used, especially when the library is holding a children’s program. The library lot is also used by visitors to the Dartmouth Community Park, and by Cushman School families.

"Regular library patrons can attest to the fact that the lot can become very congested," she said. "The change to one-way traffic should make it safer for pedestrians in the lot."