Grafton Library opens for book pickups, looks to re-open October 13

After a long construction process, a pandemic, and delays of shelving and other necessities, the Grafton Public Library will partially re-open Monday, with full access tentatively planned for October 13.

The lobby will open on Monday at the accessible entrance off Upton Street for materials return and pickup of reserved materials. Patrons will be notified by email that their materials are ready and will have one week from notification date to pick materials up during regular operating hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. 60 6 p.m.

Get a preview of how to return items through the Automated Materials Handler before you visit! It works the same way from outside the building or inside the lobby. Please, no rubber bands or loose papers or non-library materials — they will jam the machine. If an item won’t fit, return it during operating hours.

The Library anticipates opening fully to the public for browsing by Wednesday October 13, pending signed Certificate of Occupancy. This means lobby access ONLY, No public access, tours, restrooms, or access to the rest of the building will be offered October 4-9. The library will be CLOSED for Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, October 11.

Per Town of Grafton, a mask that covers your nose and mouth is required to enter all Municipal Buildings, including the Library, regardless of vaccination status, for ages 2 and up.A reasonable accommodation of curbside or home delivery is available for visitors unable to comply.

Access to the following may not be available until later this autumn:

• Meeting rooms, as they are filled with materials still awaiting shelving;
• Public access computers, printing, or faxing;
• Patio furniture and other items still in the procurement process;
• Final landscaping, as it was scheduled for completion at a later date this fall;
• Entrance to South Street and Grafton Common, due to ongoing landscaping work.

Due to many delays with fabrication, shipping and staffing beyond the staff’s control, the new library, like several others under construction, is still waiting for shelving and furniture, adjustments to the HVAC and lighting systems, turnover of the security system, ADA compliance for sinks and some counters, and other items not vital to re-opening. We appreciate your patience and good humor. Once the punch list is completed, a ribbon cutting and dedication will be scheduled.

Children’s programming will remain outdoors in October and shift to a larger room to allow for social distancing. The collection of on-site toys, puzzles, games, and coloring sheets will be kept in time-out to discourage congregating by unvaccinated youth.

With the exception of scheduled Small Stones Festival of the Arts events, and Town Board and Committee meetings and hearings, the library is not scheduling in meeting room use or in-person-programming in October, and scheduled events will be cancelled if for some reason it does not receive the Certificate of Occupancy.

After-hours Community Room A/B booking should be available in November, pending installation of some kind of security gate for the stairwell, a key to lock the elevator and keycard system for entry. View the Meeting Room Use and Facilities Rental Policy before requesting a space, beginning November 1,

This project is partially funded by a state grant administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

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