2020 has been challenging for all of us. Closing the library in March was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make, and now we are faced with another tough decision: when and how to reopen. First things first however!
The Bernard library will be ready for us to move into in June!
Library staff is currently packing up Pacific Hall and the cleaning and moving process will commence once the contractor gives us the green light. We expect moving and re-establishing ourselves to take several weeks.This will be quite an undertaking considering social distancing protocols, but our staff and volunteers have a plan in place which should make the process both organized and safe.
As for commencing services, after many weeks of discussions with the Maine State Library and other Hancock County libraries we all agree on a gradual, safe return to services. BHML staff and trustees are committed to doing everything possible to provide our community with a public space and work environment that we can all trust is safe and meets your high standards for materials and services.
Maine librarians have successfully advocated for a separate reopening checklist, which that MEDC has now adopted, with our services and facilities folded into the Phase 3 (June 2020) reopening formula. Considering our move will take 2-3 weeks, my goal is to start curbside lending services, printing and computer use by appointment in mid-July with a cautious partial re-opening tentatively scheduled for sometime in August. Unfortunately, we must cancel all in-person summer events and fundraisers, including the Grand Opening and Donor celebrations, Art Camp, Ruth Moore Days and our August book sale. While the Bass Harbor Lobster Boat races may still happen, the Town dock is off limits this year, so we will not be holding our breakfast or BBQ this year. We are working on ideas to offer virtual events celebrating the arts, Ruth Moore and our new facility. We will support summer reading through a virtual platform this summer called Beanstack. More information on virtual events and programming will be arriving very soon.
We know many of you have piles of library books waiting to be returned and once we are set up to take them back we will let you know. We know ALL of you are eager to see the inside of the new building and while that won’t be possible until later this summer, we promise to offer you a virtual sneak peek once we are moved in.
Amanda, Megan and I cannot thank you enough for your support and understanding during the construction process and the library’s closure. I also want to express my deep gratitude to the library Trustees and everyone at the Town of Tremont, from Manager Chris Saunders to everyone in the office and the selectboard, all of whom helped provide invaluable guidance and support during the construction process and during the shutdown. We are very fortunate to operate in a community that pulls together and supports each other through tough times yet takes time to celebrate and enjoy our Town’s truly unique spirit and way of life.