MATTAPOISETT — The Mattapoisett Free Public Library will allow visitors by appointment starting on Saturday, March 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Anyone wishing to browse and pick up materials, use the upstairs computers, or get quick reference help will need to register for an appointment online via the library’s calendar of events or call the library at (508) 758-4171. Appointments will be offered on the hour for upstairs, quarter past the hour for downstairs, and will last 45 minutes. 

Appointment times will be offered a week in advance.

Much of the seating will not be available and in depth reference questions are best asked over email or phone. Computer appointments will be limited to 45 minutes as well — special arrangements for more time can be made on a case by case basis but not guaranteed.

The library will be open to appointments on Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All materials being returned will go into the book drops as usual. No returns will be permitted inside.

The library will offer no contact side door pickups exclusively on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.,  Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Call the library to make arrangements for no contact pickup on days open for browsing.

Patrons must wear masks and adhere to social distance protocols while in the library. Hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the library and patrons should sanitize hands upon arrival, then check in with library staff at the circulation desk for upstairs appointments or the children’s desk for downstairs appointments. The library is holding contact information for a short period of time in case of the need for contact tracing. For any questions about these procedures, email the library director, Jennifer Jones, at jjones@sailsinc.org. Patrons can start reserving appointments on Tuesday, March 9th by visiting mattapoisettlibrary.org and clicking on “events.”