By Dave Ryan

CAMBRIDGE — The Cambridge Library branch fully reopened on May 3. The branch, known not only for books, but also as a resource and community center, had closed its interior to the public when the pandemic hit last year.
Safety precautions are being observed. “To stay open and to have as many patrons as we can, we need everyone to wear a mask, and wear it properly,” Assistant Director Julie Kennedy said last week.

Masks/face coverings are required for ages 5 and up for the duration of a visit. Library to Go services (curbside pickup) will also remain available.
Newspapers and magazines will be unavailable as all materials are quarantined for 48 hours. General seating and computer use remain limited to help with social distancing and safety.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 11-6 on Tuesdays. Currently, there are no capacity limits.

After the initial, total closure of a few weeks, Library-to-Go curbside pickup was launched, meeting a positive response from the public. Plans are for that service to continue.
“And we continued our digital presence,” Ms. Kennedy said. “There were bright spots.”
Now, staff is hoping that by June, the site can return to its regular, more extended hours.

In the meantime, they are looking forward to offering a summer reading program. Children will get a back with books and treats, inside or curbside.
There will also be storytime outdoors, so young children can enjoy their literature in a safe environment. This will begin in the first week of June, at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays.
The Hurlock branch can currently only offer Library to Go services due to building renovations being completed by the Town of Hurlock.

Inside the building, patrons will notice plastic sheets protecting the reference desk and other areas, but otherwise the layout remains the same. Staff is just relieved to be back on the job among the stacks and friends.
“It’s kind of like a family here,” Ms. Kennedy said. “We helped each other get through it.”

The Central Library is located at 303 Gay St., Cambridge. For information, call 410-228-7331, email infodesk@dorchesterlibrary.org, or visit dorchesterlibrary.org.