BELLOWS FALLS — The next stage of the ongoing renovations to the Rockingham Free Public Library (RFPL) have forced the library to close through Sept. 3.
But patrons need not worry about going into book withdrawal or about accumulating fines during the closure. The RFPL staff has done as much as it can to make these next two weeks as painless as possible.
“Because this was announced with such short notice, there may be patrons with items due during the closing, so we will be waiving any fines that might be accrued during this time,” said Youth Librarian Sam Maskell. “We also relaxed the rules on how many things patrons can take out, and nothing will be due during the time we're closed.”
For patrons who wish to return items, Maskell said a new exterior book drop has been installed by the sidewalk.
As for the rest of the library's services, Maskell said that staff will direct patrons to the library website.
Maskell said the library spruced up the site to make “a lot more of our online and virtual services much easier to find.”
She said the website also has a list of nearby libraries that offer public-access computers and wi-fi that patrons can use, accessible through the “Temporary Library Closure” link from the home page. These libraries - Putney, Westminster West, Brattleboro, Walpole, Chester, Springfield, and Grafton - can be reached via The Current's public transit, and the site provides a link to the bus schedules.
Maskell said the website also offers virtual librarian services - you can instant message a librarian - and new online options to request interlibrary loans, suggest materials for the collection, and submit detailed reference questions.
“Our online reference materials are much easier to locate and use,” she said. “Plus, we'll be making more of our historical collection and local history information available online - that is still content in development, but it's on the way.”
Currently, the Historical Collections portion of the site offers a few old photos of wooden railroad trestles spanning the Connecticut River near where the Vilas Bridge stands, as well as old theater images and photos of fire and ladder engines in Bellows Falls during its heyday.
A research link offers access to online classes, the Vermont online library, downloadable e-books and audio books.
Patrons can also log into their library account through that same link and search databases of newspapers, magazines, and vital records and genealogy.
Of the popular youth programs held regularly at the library, Maskell said that the RFPL had just completed its summer reading program, so the closure happened to fall in-between program sessions.
“We won't be holding any youth programs until October, depend[ing] on the renovation project,” she said.
The website has ongoing updates on the renovation process as well.
The RFPL will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 4, with services provided on the main floor. Construction on the ground floor and top floor will continue, with installation of updated electrical, sprinkler, plumbing, and heating systems.
Other work to be completed includes masonry repair, painting, insulation, and slate roof repair.