May 20, 2020
An updated message from Lynnfield Public Library Director Jennifer Inglis:
It’s been over two months since we closed the library building to staff and the public, and we miss you! We are looking forward to getting back into the building and beginning to reopen, slowly and safely, so we can provide you the best possible services we can during this time. We have been working hard from home to transition in-person programming to online events, identifying new databases for you to use from home, and on developing plans for our eventual reopening. Governor Baker announced that libraries can begin curbside service on May 25th, but it will be several weeks before we can offer this service. We need to make sure we’re being safe for you and for library staff. We ask for a few more weeks of your patience, and we will have more information about our reopening plans soon.
If you have any concerns, comments, or need assistance, please do not hesitate to call us at 781-334-5411 or email us at lfd@noblenet.org and we will get in touch quickly.
We would like to remind you of the Town of Lynnfield’s dedicated phone line and email for COVID-19 related questions: (781) 334-8141 and emergencymanagement@town.lynnfield.ma.us
If you have an emergency, call 911.
If you need mental health resources, check out the Interface Helpline.
Here is the list of updated library services during COVID-19:
New! RB Digital is a database that features unlimited access to streaming movies, television shows, concerts, and documentaries as well as interactive wellness courses and standardized test prep, including Acorn TV and the Great Courses.
We have a variety of online activities for all ages. Please check our library calendar for details and to register. Our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts are active with demonstrations and other outside activities that you might enjoy as well.
Creativebug is an arts & crafts database with video instructions, printable patterns, and a large variety of activities from beginner to expert. You will need your library card and pin to access this resource.
We added a page of resources to our website that provide information during this time to help you with areas of concern. These include links to authoritative information about COVID-19, resources for small business assistance, food insecurity, and other topics. https://www.lynnfieldlibrary.org/covid-19-resources/
We have added TumbleBooks, a database of ebooks and audiobooks for kids and a section called TeenBookCloud with fiction, nonfiction, and classics. These can be accessed from our website and do not need a library card.
Our popular genealogy database Ancestry.com is now temporarily allowing access from home. It is ordinarily available in-library only. You will need your library card and PIN.
If you do not currently have a library card, but want access to our online resources that require one, we will temporarily waive the in-person requirement to show ID and proof of residency. If you live in Lynnfield and do not already have a NOBLE library card, you may email us at lfd@noblenet.org with the following information: full name, street address, telephone number, email address, and birthdate. We will then issue you a temporary library card number and PIN, which will allow you to access our online services that require a card. This card will expire in three months. Transferring this temporary card to a permanent card will simply require you to come to the Library with ID and proof of address. Please note that this is a temporary deviation from our ordinary procedures. Also note that we will only be responding to these requests several times a week.
To assist with the rising demand on our online resources, we have temporarily increased the number of items you may borrow from hoopla from 6 items per month to 10. This resets on the first of the month. hoopla is a terrific service where you can borrow digital music, movies, television shows, ebooks, and audiobooks. This collection of over 500,000 includes many for children.
We have increased our number of items available in our Overdrive Advantage account, which means that users with a Lynnfield Public Library card get first access to select titles. This is not a new service for us, but we have temporarily added additional titles to both meet demands for holds and popular titles, and to increase the number of audiobooks and ebooks available for kids. These titles are available in the Libby or Overdrive applications.
While our physical collections are unavailable, we are taking the worry out of what happens with your Library account while we’re closed to the public. We are extending due dates for all materials and will continue to do so until this situation is resolved. Any holds that are currently in the building will be available for you to pick-up when we resume lending physical items. We continue to ask that you keep any items you have at home, home for now.
We miss you, and we hope we can see you again soon! Stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Inglis, Library Director
