THE SOMERS PUBLIC LIBRARY IS SO HAPPY TO WELCOME YOU BACK!

Starting on Monday, July 13^th, the Somers Public Library will be open to the public by appointment. We are excited to have you join us to browse and check out materials and use the computers. For patrons who cannot wear a face covering or who chose not to visit the library at this time, curbside pickup service will continue to be offered.  

The Somers Public Library will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. throughout July.  Operation hours may be changed after reevaluation.

Library “grab and go” appointments can be made for the following areas:

• Adult Browsing (includes the new fiction/non-fiction, adult DVDs, Books on CD, paperbacks, fiction, non-fiction, and biography sections)
• Teen Room
• Children’s Room
• Adult Computers

Each of these zones has a one hour time limit and a capacity per hour to maintain social distancing capabilities. 

Starting on Wednesday, July 8^th, you may call us at 860-763-3501 to schedule your appointment for the week of July 13^th, and let us know which area you will be visiting and how many people will be in your party.

In order to provide a safe space for us all, some changes have been made to the library interior, so things will look a little different.  When you first enter the building, please check in at the desk in the Lobby.  In the main Library area you will see there are plexiglass shields, fewer pieces of furniture, and reminders to maintain social distancing and wear a mask while inside the building. All of these measures are aimed at reducing the time spent in a public space and the number of communal surfaces you come in contact with—ways to keep all of you and all of us safe.  In addition, frequently-touched surfaces will be cleaned several times per day. 

The procedures for reopening our Library needed to address guidelines and concerns from our local Health Department, the Library Board and Town Administration, as well as the State Reopen Connecticut Stage 2 Sector Guidelines. Here are some important things to know:

• Masks will be required for all people entering the library, per Governor’s executive order and town policy.  If you cannot wear a mask, please call us at 860-763-3501 to schedule a curbside pickup for materials instead.
• All returns will be accepted in the outside drop-box slots only.  Items will continue to be quarantined for at least 72 hours.  When checked in, they will be back-dated to the date you returned them, eliminating any fines that may have accrued during the quarantine. 
• Computers will be available by appointment for one hour per day.
• Meeting rooms will not be available at this time.
• Donations cannot be accepted at this time.

We look forward to seeing you all soon!

Our children’s summer reading program runs from June 15 to August 14.  The link for online registration is available here (Registration Form). Reading logs and calendars can be printed from our website (Updated) front of reading log, (Updated) back of reading log)  or summer reading packets, which will include a reading log, list of online programs and a bookmark, will be available at curbside pickup. To schedule a pickup for summer reading packets, call the library at 860-763-3501 between 10:00 am  and 4:00 pm. Available time slots start on Monday 6/15. The program is for children in preschool through grade 5. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the summer reading program. Be sure to join in the fun!

We have lots of fun virtual programs this summer so be sure to check out our  Events Calendar  or our  printable  calendar of events.

Somers Public Library – Teen Summer Reading Program: June 15 – August 21

Visit our Teen Summer Reading 2020 page to learn how to register, log your book reviews, and enter the prize drawing on August 24th. 

Somers Public Library – Adult Summer Reading Program: June 15 – August 21

Visit our Adult Summer Reading 2020 page to learn how to register, log your book reviews, and enter the prize drawing on August 24th. 

Virtual Program with Horizon Wings
Wednesday, July 8, 6:00 p.m, Postponed until Wednesday, July 15, 6:00 p.m. due to inclement weather. 
Explore the world of raptors from the comfort of your own home. Join us for this 30 minute program including 3 of our Ambassadors. We will highlight their stories and learn about these hawks, eagles, falcons, owls and other birds at Horizon Wings.
Online registration has begun.  (see Events Calendar to register). Once registered we will email you a Zoom link.

Harmonious Happening with Renee Coro
Video link available July 13 – 19
Sing along with Miss Renee as she plays soothing bedtime music that will be sure to help us wind down at the end of the day.  Online registration begins July 13 at 10:00 a.m. Once registered you will receive the link to the Somers Public Library YouTube Channel recording.

Virtual Young Wizards Workshop with Mad Science
Wednesday, July 22, 1:00 p.m.
For grades 1-6. Does your child LOVE Harry Potter? Then they will delight over Young Wizards! Come on a magical journey and see how scientific phenomena of modern times were mistaken for magic in “days of yore”. Seemingly mysterious potions that instantly change color or smoke with the addition of a magical substance and other catalysts really make it easy to understand how people back then were so easily convinced that a wizard possessed special powers. Then follow along to make your own bubbling potion and capture some “dragon’s breath”. Online registration begins 7/6. Once registered we will email you a link to register with Mad Science for the Zoom program and the list of items need for the projects.

Wednesday, July 22nd at 2:30 p.m. – VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB MEETING: ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE The Somers Public Library will be hosting a zoom book discussion, led by Denise Stankovics, on Wednesday, July 22nd at 2:30 p.m. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman is available to borrow through our curbside pickup service. To participate in our zoom discussion on July 22nd, please call the Library to set up your curbside pickup time and email Jessica at jmmiller@biblio.org to get the zoom link. We can’t wait to SEE you!

Children’s Concert with Mr. Loftus
Video link available July 27-August 2
SES music teacher Christian Loftus performs as Mr. Lobster!  Come sing, dance, and play with this one-of-a-kind e-performance.  You’ll find engaging stories and songs, tailored for students ages 3-10.  
Online registration begins July 27 at 10:00 a.m. Once registered you will receive the link to the Somers Public Library YouTube Channel recording.

Tuesday, August 4th at 6:30 p.m. – VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB MEETING: Murder in the Locked Library by Ellery Adams. The Somers Public Library will be hosting a zoom book discussion on TUESDAY, August 4th at 6:30 p.m. Murder in the Locked Library is available to borrow as a FREE ebook or FREE eaudiobook from the Hoopla App with your Somers Public Library card or from the Library, by appointment. To participate in our zoom discussion on August 4th, please email Jessica at jmmiller@biblio.org to get the zoom link. We can’t wait to SEE you!

Virtual Program with Riverside Reptiles Education Center:
Every Animal Has a Story
Wednesday, August 5, 1:00 p.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Meet and learn about some of the animals at RREC and how they came to be with them.  Online registration begins 7/20. Once registered we will email you a Zoom link.