Stay Safe at Your Library

On Monday, March 29, the New Haven Free Public Library will expand the opening of its doors with limited hours for technology use and short browsing visits by appointment and on a walk-in basis as capacity allows.  Need to make an appointment?  Call any of our locations to pick a time that works for you!

**Please note that our Stetson Branch remains closed to the public until further notice due to building repairs, however curbside service is still available.

WELCOME! To ensure the safety of all our visitors, we have implemented a number of safety guidelines:

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE

No food or drink will be allowed in the Library to ensure that masks are worn at all times for the safety of customers and Library staff.

  • Upon entering the Library, you will be asked to use hand sanitizer.
  • All customers over the age of 2 are required to wear a face covering while at the Library.
  • Customers with symptoms of COVID will be denied entry. Please do not visit if you are sick.
  • Customers are welcome to visit locations for up to one 90-minute technology sessions and one 30-minute browsing session per day. 

MASKS AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING
All patrons are required to wear a mask and maintain a six foot distance from others at all times while in the Library. The Library will maintain a limited occupancy rate, so it it is recommended that visitors make an appointment ahead of time by calling the location they will to visit.

 All of our branches have been retrofitted with partitions, have physical distancing signage, and feature new, self-check stations. Furniture has been removed or reconfigured to ensure proper physical distancing.

CURBSIDE SERVICE REMAINS IN EFFECT

Curbside pick-up will remain available Monday- Friday from 10am-5pm by appointment at all NHFPL locations and Saturday 10am-5pm by appointment at Ives Main Library. For more information on curbside, please click here.  A mask is required.

*For those individuals with disabilities needing extra assistance obtaining their items during curbside pickup, please call the location you are picking your items up from and we will be happy to assist you.

CLEANING AND MATERIALS QUARANTINE
All branches will be regularly cleaned and high touch public areas and restrooms will be cleaned as often as possible during open hours. Returned materials are quarantined for 72 hours before being placed back in circulation and removed from your account.  No fines will be incurred during this holding period.

COMPUTER USAGE
Access to computers is available with a 90 minute time limit. Due to COVID-19, Library staff may not be able to provide extensive assistance during this time.  Should you have any special needs, please call ahead to alert staff for possible options.

MEETING ROOMS AND PROGRAMS
Meeting rooms are not available for use at this time. Library programs will continue virtually until further notice. Please see our virtual event calendar and join us online.

LIBRARY CARDS
We continue to offer New Haven residents cards over the phone and will happily assist folks in person.  Please call any of our locations for assistance.

NO DONATIONS ACCEPTED
Thank you for thinking of us, however, material donations are not accepted at this time. 

FEES AND FINES
NHFPL is officially FINE FREE as of 2020 and no longer charges for late returns of NHFPL materials.  Replacement fees for lost materials can be paid via debit/credit cards online or by visiting any branch.

CHECK OUT FREE WIFI HOTSPOTS AND CHROMEBOOKS

Chromebooks and free, mobile internet are now available for you to use anywhere, anytime!  Each WiFi hotspot can connect to 3-5 devices at a time. Both hotspots and Chromebooks are  available to adult, New Haven residents with an active library card for 3 week checkout periods. For more information, call your nearest location.