New Canaan Library Reopens with ‘Limited Express Service’

New Canaan Library announced Thursday that it has reopened with “limited express service” for all visitors.

The organization has completed its COVID-19 certification “and is taking all measures to ensure everyone’s safety,” a press release said.

“Masks are required at all times, and the library asks that all observe distancing,” it said.

The news comes days after the library served as a destination for New Canaanites displaced during the day by lack of power, air conditioning and Internet access following a tropical storm that caused widespread and lasting outages. 

The library’s hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m Saturday for “express self-service.” The children’s library is open by appointment (see here).

Masks must fully cover the nose and mouth while inside the library and patrons must maintain a distance of six feet from others, the library said on its website.

“You must have your library card to borrow materials,” it said. “Due to limited capacity requirements, you may need to wait to enter. As the pandemic situation evolves, our policies are subject to frequent change.”

Those placing holds now will pick up materials inside the building, and must bring a library card or number to check out new materials. 

“Adult, Teen, and DVD browsing and borrowing via self-service checkout only,” the library said. Faxing, photocopying and computer center with Web access are available, though individualized computer help is not yet available, the library said.