The Dartmouth Public Libraries will be reopening both branches to the public starting on Monday, March 8, although the Children’s Rooms will remain closed.

Patrons will be able to call the library and make an appointment to come inside beginning at 9 a.m. on March 8, with the first appointment at 10 a.m.

For contract tracing and Covid safety purposes patrons will be asked to provide their name, phone number, and purpose of visit when making an appointment.

Each appointment will begin on the hour and last 45 minutes. Patrons may arrive late but must still leave at quarter to the hour.

Only one appointment is allowed per person per day. Walk-ins will not be allowed.

Once inside the buildings they will be able to use a computer, browse the collections, check out materials, ask staff to place holds, and apply for or replace a library card.

The Children’s Rooms at both libraries will remain closed at this time due to concerns about overseeing those spaces.

In the meantime, staff members can gather materials from the children’s collections at a patron’s request.

Library equipment such as copy and fax machines will also be available. Masks must be worn at all times inside the library buildings.

Patrons will still be able to opt for curbside pickup.

Each Monday, people may call to make appointments for all the days of that week, but not for following weeks.

According to a statement from Dartmouth Public Libraries, this is just the first step in the reopening process. 

As the infection rate drops and more people get vaccinated, increased access and more services will be added.

Information will be available on the libraries’ website at www.dplma.org, or patrons may call either library with any questions.

The number for the Southworth Library on Dartmouth St. is (508) 999-0726, and the number for the North Branch Library is (508) 999-0728.