The Cyrenius H. Booth Library will open its doors to the public on a limited basis beginning Wednesday, September 2. Currently, the library offers contactless pickup of books and other items, browsing of popular materials on the library patio, and 24/7 access to digital resources.
For contactless pickup, patrons may place holds through its online catalog (available at https://booth.biblio.org/eg/opac/home) by email through help@chboothlibrary.org or by calling the library at 203-426-4533. When your order is ready, you will be contacted to schedule your pickup. The book and audiovisual drop boxes are open for returns of library materials. All returns are quarantined for a few days and are then backdated before being checked in.
With this next step in reopening, the library will continue to offer contactless pickup of materials and will also welcome a limited number of people into the building for computer use appointments and to browse the collections for checkout. Printing and faxing will also be available. Sessions will last 45 minutes and will be offered during set times. This will allow staff to clean and sanitize work stations and high-touch surfaces in between sessions.
After check in, you may proceed directly to your area of choice for collection browsing or your designated computer area, and leave the building when your session is over. Certain areas of the library will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
To make an appointment for browsing or computer use, call us at 203-426-4533 or email us at help@chboothlibrary.org. The library will accept reservations up to one day in advance. If you have an appointment, please wait outside the library at the main entrance (the sliding doors) until 5 minutes prior to your scheduled time slot. Upon entering the building, you will be checked in at the greeting area.
All new requirements and procedures are in accordance with the State of Connecticut’s guidelines for reopening. The staff of the Cyrenius H. Booth Library are excited to take the next step in safely restoring services in support of the community of Newtown. We’ve been there for you, you’ve been there for us, and together we will continue to get through this.
In related happy news, beginning September 2, 2020 the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library will be accepting donations in the back of the library from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays, rain or shine. Books, media, puzzles and games from the public are accepted. Please no encyclopedias, magazines, Time-Life Books, VHS tapes, cassettes, or outdated textbooks or travel guides. Check that your donation is suitable at www.boothbooksale.org.
About the C.H. Booth Library
The Cyrenius H. Booth Library was a gift of Newtown’s benefactress, Mary Elizabeth Hawley and is named after her maternal grandfather. In addition to books, streaming media and databases, the library provides areas for meetings as well as displays of art and historical artifacts of Newtown. The library meets community needs by connecting, convening, partnering, serving as a community hub, and as a place to learn with one another with a mission to promote the joy of lifelong learning, stimulate curiosity, support the exchange of ideas, and provide a welcoming gathering place for our community.