COVID-19 Updates and Guidelines
November 15, 2021
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this ever-changing situation.
- Masks are required for ALL library visitors despite vaccination status.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this ever-changing situation.
August 30, 2021
- Masks are required for ALL library visitors despite vaccination status.
- Masks are REQUIRED for anyone attending an in-door library event, DESPITE vaccination status.
August 5, 2021
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this ever-evolving situation.
Want to get vaccinated to help speed up ditching masks for good?! We're hosting a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic! See the flyer below:
- We STRONGLY recommend EVERYONE wear a mask while using the library.
- Masks are REQUIRED for anyone attending an in-door library event, DESPITE vaccination status.
- Staff will be wearing masks while interacting with the public.
- Unvaccinated and children ages 2-11 are still REQUIRED to wear a mask.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this ever-evolving situation.
Want to get vaccinated to help speed up ditching masks for good?! We're hosting a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic! See the flyer below:
June 7, 2021
New mask update:
No Mask Required- for vaccinated individuals ages 12+ and under 2.
Masks Require-unvaccinated individuals and children ages 2-11.
Thank you for your honesty and cooperation!
New mask update:
No Mask Required- for vaccinated individuals ages 12+ and under 2.
Masks Require-unvaccinated individuals and children ages 2-11.
Thank you for your honesty and cooperation!
January 19, 2021
The Library is back open to the public for regular operating hours!
Please be mindful that the following guidelines are still in place at this time:
All visitors are required to wear a face covering. You will not be allowed to enter the building without a face covering. If unable to wear a face cover, curbside pickup is available.
Curbside pickup is available to all patrons and we encourage you to take advantage of this safe and convenient opportunity.
With Connecticut metrics rising, please plan for a short visit. We are asking that you limit your visit to 30 minutes (unless using a public access computer).
Computer access is limited to one, one hour session per day at this time.
Please return all materials in the outdoor book returns. All items are being quarantined for 72 hours.
We are following a strict cleaning procedure to ensure you and your family can safely visit the library.
During this time, the following services will not be available:
All electronic resources are available 24/7 for your convenience.
The Library is back open to the public for regular operating hours!
Please be mindful that the following guidelines are still in place at this time:
All visitors are required to wear a face covering. You will not be allowed to enter the building without a face covering. If unable to wear a face cover, curbside pickup is available.
Curbside pickup is available to all patrons and we encourage you to take advantage of this safe and convenient opportunity.
With Connecticut metrics rising, please plan for a short visit. We are asking that you limit your visit to 30 minutes (unless using a public access computer).
Computer access is limited to one, one hour session per day at this time.
Please return all materials in the outdoor book returns. All items are being quarantined for 72 hours.
We are following a strict cleaning procedure to ensure you and your family can safely visit the library.
During this time, the following services will not be available:
- Public bathrooms and water fountains
- In person programming
- All meetings and visitations
All electronic resources are available 24/7 for your convenience.
December 16, 2020
Due to a local increase in COVID-19, the library will be closed to patron use Monday, Dec. 21st - Monday, Jan. 18th.
Curbside pickup and all virtual programming will continue. Any craft or supply kits to be used in a virtual program can be picked up curbside.
Staff will be available via phone (860-489-6684) or email (info@torringtonlibrary.org) during normal business hours.
Contact us and we will be happy to arrange pickups, offer book suggestions, and answer any questions you may have.
We wish our beloved patrons a very happy and healthy holiday season and we look forward to seeing you in 2021!
Due to a local increase in COVID-19, the library will be closed to patron use Monday, Dec. 21st - Monday, Jan. 18th.
Curbside pickup and all virtual programming will continue. Any craft or supply kits to be used in a virtual program can be picked up curbside.
Staff will be available via phone (860-489-6684) or email (info@torringtonlibrary.org) during normal business hours.
Contact us and we will be happy to arrange pickups, offer book suggestions, and answer any questions you may have.
We wish our beloved patrons a very happy and healthy holiday season and we look forward to seeing you in 2021!
Click to view MORE before and after pictures!
December 9, 2020
Torrington Library Receives State Grant to Help with COVID 19 Safety Improvements!
Governor Ned Lamont announced in October that his administration is dedicating $2.6 million of Connecticut’s Coronavirus Relief Funds to support the state’s public libraries as they continue to make health and safety improvements and offer more services to residents amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Torrington Library was awarded $37,151.
Torrington is among 65 libraries across Connecticut selected to receive funding based on library size and number of residents served each year, as well as an emphasis on low-income urban and rural communities. Grant fund usage is specified to categories that enhance safe building capacity and increase patron access to technology, such as: personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies, signage, furniture, and Wi-Fi improvements.
“Libraries offer critical services for the public, including reliable Wi-Fi, access to computers and laptops, supportive learning materials and resources, and librarians who are trained in helping residents access key services,” said Governor Lamont. “Most importantly, libraries provide safe and quiet spaces for people to work and study, which is critical to many people who do not have the environment to do this at home. Especially during this difficult time, libraries and the work of so many generous librarians have played a critical role in supporting K-12 and post-secondary students with remote learning.”
“This investment in our public libraries will enable their leaders and staff to extend and enhance the services and programs that are so valued and important to their constituents and communities,” said Interim State Librarian Maureen Sullivan. “Public libraries have always been places that support education and self-directed learning. They are now a critical community resource for virtual learning.”
Torrington Library Director, Jessica Gueniat commented: “We are thrilled to receive this sizable and vital grant that will better equip us to safely serve our patrons. We will now be able to offer double the amount of accessible public computer stations, install permanent partitions to keep both staff and patrons safe, and implement other additional measures so that a greater number of patrons can safely and comfortably use the library. While we are glad to be able to replenish our supplies of key consumable items such as cleaning supplies and PPE, we are most excited about having the opportunity to implement long-term solutions that will benefit library patrons for years to come.”
Because of COVID, the Torrington Library closed to the public on March 13th. Staff worked remotely to ensure that patrons still has access to library cards, materials, programs and more. During reopening phase one, the library began offering curbside pickup. The library reopened to the public on June 22nd during the phase two reopening.
“Unfortunately, this grant cannot be used to reimburse the cost of the supplies we had already purchased to safely reopen or supplant the funds lost due to canceling the Taste of Torrington, our largest fundraising event,” said Gueniat. “However, it will be a huge help as we move forward and continue to engage, enrich and empower our community – even in this most challenging time.”
All work in the library is now complete!
The Library also set-up a Keeping Our Community Healthy station which provides library users with FREE, individual sized PPE, such as disposable masks, wipes, and hand sanitizer. All items are limited to one-per-patron and are on a first come, first serve basis.
“We understand that some PPE items are difficult to obtain (either because they are out of stock, or people are unable to afford them). The Keeping Our Community Healthy display is a small way that we can help our patrons procure PPE items in an effort to slow the spread of COVID within our community.” Gueniat added.
“Our public libraries, the librarians, and the services they offer are tremendous assets to the residents of the state, especially for our K-12 students as schools reopen,” said Office of Policy and Management Secretary Melissa McCaw, who has been overseeing the distribution of the Coronavirus Relief Fund on behalf of the Lamont administration. “With these federal resources, we can help our local and community libraries with their health, safety, and technological needs so that our students can study, read, and write in a warm and safe place while alleviating some of the burden for our local governments. As the libraries expand their capacity, it is essential we assist where we can to ensure it is done safely and to enhance the odds of success for students under these unique circumstances.”
“Libraries serve as important resource hubs outside of the classroom by providing students and their families with equitable access to engaging programs, supports and multimedia learning materials at no cost,” said Connecticut Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona. “As we make progress to close the digital divide and meet the remote learning needs of our students, we must do all everything we can to continue to support the crucial role our librarians and libraries play in this area by enhancing the overall educational experience for all learners in their communities.”
Torrington Library Receives State Grant to Help with COVID 19 Safety Improvements!
Governor Ned Lamont announced in October that his administration is dedicating $2.6 million of Connecticut’s Coronavirus Relief Funds to support the state’s public libraries as they continue to make health and safety improvements and offer more services to residents amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Torrington Library was awarded $37,151.
Torrington is among 65 libraries across Connecticut selected to receive funding based on library size and number of residents served each year, as well as an emphasis on low-income urban and rural communities. Grant fund usage is specified to categories that enhance safe building capacity and increase patron access to technology, such as: personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies, signage, furniture, and Wi-Fi improvements.
“Libraries offer critical services for the public, including reliable Wi-Fi, access to computers and laptops, supportive learning materials and resources, and librarians who are trained in helping residents access key services,” said Governor Lamont. “Most importantly, libraries provide safe and quiet spaces for people to work and study, which is critical to many people who do not have the environment to do this at home. Especially during this difficult time, libraries and the work of so many generous librarians have played a critical role in supporting K-12 and post-secondary students with remote learning.”
“This investment in our public libraries will enable their leaders and staff to extend and enhance the services and programs that are so valued and important to their constituents and communities,” said Interim State Librarian Maureen Sullivan. “Public libraries have always been places that support education and self-directed learning. They are now a critical community resource for virtual learning.”
Torrington Library Director, Jessica Gueniat commented: “We are thrilled to receive this sizable and vital grant that will better equip us to safely serve our patrons. We will now be able to offer double the amount of accessible public computer stations, install permanent partitions to keep both staff and patrons safe, and implement other additional measures so that a greater number of patrons can safely and comfortably use the library. While we are glad to be able to replenish our supplies of key consumable items such as cleaning supplies and PPE, we are most excited about having the opportunity to implement long-term solutions that will benefit library patrons for years to come.”
Because of COVID, the Torrington Library closed to the public on March 13th. Staff worked remotely to ensure that patrons still has access to library cards, materials, programs and more. During reopening phase one, the library began offering curbside pickup. The library reopened to the public on June 22nd during the phase two reopening.
“Unfortunately, this grant cannot be used to reimburse the cost of the supplies we had already purchased to safely reopen or supplant the funds lost due to canceling the Taste of Torrington, our largest fundraising event,” said Gueniat. “However, it will be a huge help as we move forward and continue to engage, enrich and empower our community – even in this most challenging time.”
All work in the library is now complete!
The Library also set-up a Keeping Our Community Healthy station which provides library users with FREE, individual sized PPE, such as disposable masks, wipes, and hand sanitizer. All items are limited to one-per-patron and are on a first come, first serve basis.
“We understand that some PPE items are difficult to obtain (either because they are out of stock, or people are unable to afford them). The Keeping Our Community Healthy display is a small way that we can help our patrons procure PPE items in an effort to slow the spread of COVID within our community.” Gueniat added.
“Our public libraries, the librarians, and the services they offer are tremendous assets to the residents of the state, especially for our K-12 students as schools reopen,” said Office of Policy and Management Secretary Melissa McCaw, who has been overseeing the distribution of the Coronavirus Relief Fund on behalf of the Lamont administration. “With these federal resources, we can help our local and community libraries with their health, safety, and technological needs so that our students can study, read, and write in a warm and safe place while alleviating some of the burden for our local governments. As the libraries expand their capacity, it is essential we assist where we can to ensure it is done safely and to enhance the odds of success for students under these unique circumstances.”
“Libraries serve as important resource hubs outside of the classroom by providing students and their families with equitable access to engaging programs, supports and multimedia learning materials at no cost,” said Connecticut Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona. “As we make progress to close the digital divide and meet the remote learning needs of our students, we must do all everything we can to continue to support the crucial role our librarians and libraries play in this area by enhancing the overall educational experience for all learners in their communities.”
November 22, 2020
The Library is currently open to the public for our normal operating hours.
Please be mindful that the following guidelines are still in place at this time:
All visitors are required to wear a face covering. You will not be allowed to enter the building without a face covering. If unable to wear a face cover, curbside pickup is available.
Curbside pickup is available to all patrons and we encourage you to take advantage of this safe and convenient opportunity.
With Connecticut metrics rising, please plan for a short visit. We are asking that you limit your visit to 30 minutes (unless using a public access computer).
Computer access is limited to one, one hour session per day at this time.
Please return all materials in the outdoor book returns. All items are being quarantined for 72 hours.
We are following a strict cleaning procedure to ensure you and your family can safely visit the library.
During this time, the following services will not be available:
All electronic resources are available 24/7 for your convenience.
The Library is currently open to the public for our normal operating hours.
Please be mindful that the following guidelines are still in place at this time:
All visitors are required to wear a face covering. You will not be allowed to enter the building without a face covering. If unable to wear a face cover, curbside pickup is available.
Curbside pickup is available to all patrons and we encourage you to take advantage of this safe and convenient opportunity.
With Connecticut metrics rising, please plan for a short visit. We are asking that you limit your visit to 30 minutes (unless using a public access computer).
Computer access is limited to one, one hour session per day at this time.
Please return all materials in the outdoor book returns. All items are being quarantined for 72 hours.
We are following a strict cleaning procedure to ensure you and your family can safely visit the library.
During this time, the following services will not be available:
- Public bathrooms and water fountains
- In person programming
- All meetings and visitations
All electronic resources are available 24/7 for your convenience.
September 8, 2020
We are thrilled to welcome families back to the library this Fall. We've missed seeing all of you!We have shelves of brand new children's books ready to be read and explored.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your visit:
We thank you for your patience and cooperation these past few months. We can't wait to see you!
We are thrilled to welcome families back to the library this Fall. We've missed seeing all of you!We have shelves of brand new children's books ready to be read and explored.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your visit:
- Please plan for a short visit to browse for books only, as we are limiting the number of patrons in the building and in the Children's Room.
- All visitors over the age of 2 must wear a face covering while in the building.
- There are still no toys available to play with in the children's room.
- Tables and chairs and still unavailable.
- Supervised & group visits are still restricted at this time.
- Returned items will still be quarantined for 72 hours, so please return your materials in the outdoor book returns ONLY.
We thank you for your patience and cooperation these past few months. We can't wait to see you!
August 6, 2020
Update from Your Torrington Library
We are happy to announce that study tables/ work spaces are now available. We currently have 16 work space (14 have power access). Below are the workspace guidelines:
Private study carrels are also open and may be accesses on the 2nd floor. Each study carrel will be disinfected after use.
Please be mindful that the following guidelines are still in place at this time:
All visitors are required to wear a face covering. If unable to wear a face cover, curbside pickup is still available to all patrons.
We are always happy to see our patrons, but at this time, there will be a limited number of patrons allowed in the building at one time.
You may use the copier or send a fax using our self-service machine. If you need staff assistance, they will assist you from a distance of at least 6 feet. We request that you bring exact change with you.
Please be aware that throughout the day, the staff will be cleaning high touch surfaces frequently.
During this gradual reopening, the following services will not be available:
Our online resources are still available for your 24/7 convenience, as well as curbside pickup.
All dates are subject to change and are based on the State of Connecticut’s reopening plan.
Update from Your Torrington Library
We are happy to announce that study tables/ work spaces are now available. We currently have 16 work space (14 have power access). Below are the workspace guidelines:
- Spaces are first come, first serve;
- 1 person per table OR 1 family unit per table only;
- no call-ahead at this time;
- spaces are limited to 1 hour (with possibility of extension if no one else is waiting).
- You must check in with the Main Desk before using a table and check out after so we can disinfect the space, making it ready for a new user.
- Public bathrooms are not open; so please plan accordingly.
Private study carrels are also open and may be accesses on the 2nd floor. Each study carrel will be disinfected after use.
Please be mindful that the following guidelines are still in place at this time:
All visitors are required to wear a face covering. If unable to wear a face cover, curbside pickup is still available to all patrons.
We are always happy to see our patrons, but at this time, there will be a limited number of patrons allowed in the building at one time.
You may use the copier or send a fax using our self-service machine. If you need staff assistance, they will assist you from a distance of at least 6 feet. We request that you bring exact change with you.
Please be aware that throughout the day, the staff will be cleaning high touch surfaces frequently.
During this gradual reopening, the following services will not be available:
- Public bathrooms and water fountains
- Newspapers and current magazines
- Children's toys/ play areas
- Groups of gatherings
- Room rentals
Our online resources are still available for your 24/7 convenience, as well as curbside pickup.
All dates are subject to change and are based on the State of Connecticut’s reopening plan.
July 6, 2020
Update from Your Torrington Library
We are happy to announce the opening of our public access computers. Beginning July 6th, three public access computers will be available. Usage is limited to one, 45-minute time slot a day per patron. You must make an appointment to use the computer. We will try our best to accommodate walk-up requests, but we encourage call-ahead reservations.
Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled reservation. There is currently no lounge seating available if you arrive earlier and wish to sit. You have a 15-minute window to make your appointment before your reservation is cancelled.
Keyboards and mice will be cleaned after each use. Patrons will be required to sanitize hands before using a public access computer. Proper social distancing will be in place.
We will begin taking appointments July 1st for the week of July 6th. Appointments can be made a week in advance, but no more than that. We cannot accommodate recurring appointments at this time.
Appointment times are:
Please be mindful that the following guidelines are still in place at this time:
All visitors are required to wear a face covering. If unable to wear a face cover, curbside pickup is still available to all patrons.
We are always happy to see our patrons, but at this time, there will be a limited number of patrons allowed in the building at one time. Please plan for a short visit. We are asking that you limit your visit to 30 minutes (unless using a public access computer). Please be prepared to wait in line to enter the building during our busiest hours.
We look forward to the day when we can welcome families back into the building, but during this gradual reopening, we are only allowing one person per family in the building.
You may use the copier or send a fax using our self-service machine. If you need staff assistance, they will assist you from a distance of at least 6 feet. We request that you bring exact change with you.
Please be aware that throughout the day, the staff will be cleaning high touch surfaces frequently.
During this gradual reopening, the following services will not be available:
Our online resources are still available for your 24/7 convenience, as well as curbside pickup.
All dates are subject to change and are based on the State of Connecticut’s reopening plan.
Update from Your Torrington Library
We are happy to announce the opening of our public access computers. Beginning July 6th, three public access computers will be available. Usage is limited to one, 45-minute time slot a day per patron. You must make an appointment to use the computer. We will try our best to accommodate walk-up requests, but we encourage call-ahead reservations.
Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled reservation. There is currently no lounge seating available if you arrive earlier and wish to sit. You have a 15-minute window to make your appointment before your reservation is cancelled.
Keyboards and mice will be cleaned after each use. Patrons will be required to sanitize hands before using a public access computer. Proper social distancing will be in place.
We will begin taking appointments July 1st for the week of July 6th. Appointments can be made a week in advance, but no more than that. We cannot accommodate recurring appointments at this time.
Appointment times are:
- Monday, Tuesday, Friday every hour on the hour beginning at 10am and ending at 5pm.
- Wednesday and Thursday every hour on the hour beginning at 10am and ending at 7pm
Please be mindful that the following guidelines are still in place at this time:
All visitors are required to wear a face covering. If unable to wear a face cover, curbside pickup is still available to all patrons.
We are always happy to see our patrons, but at this time, there will be a limited number of patrons allowed in the building at one time. Please plan for a short visit. We are asking that you limit your visit to 30 minutes (unless using a public access computer). Please be prepared to wait in line to enter the building during our busiest hours.
We look forward to the day when we can welcome families back into the building, but during this gradual reopening, we are only allowing one person per family in the building.
You may use the copier or send a fax using our self-service machine. If you need staff assistance, they will assist you from a distance of at least 6 feet. We request that you bring exact change with you.
Please be aware that throughout the day, the staff will be cleaning high touch surfaces frequently.
During this gradual reopening, the following services will not be available:
- Public bathrooms and water fountains
- Private study carrels
- Newspapers and current magazines
- All meetings and visitations
Our online resources are still available for your 24/7 convenience, as well as curbside pickup.
All dates are subject to change and are based on the State of Connecticut’s reopening plan.
June 22, 2020
Update from Your Torrington Library
We are pleased to announce a series of reopening steps that are currently taking place at the Torrington Library.
The library is scheduled to reopen to the public for browsing and checkout only on June 22nd.
Summer hours in July and August are:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: Open 10am-6:00pm (Closed from 1-2 for cleaning)
Wednesday and Thursday: Open 10am-8pm (Closed from 1-2 for cleaning)
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
We are always happy to see our patrons, but at this time, there will be a limited number of patrons allowed in the building at one time. Please plan for a short visit. We are asking that you limit your visit to 30 minutes. Please be prepared to wait in line to enter the building during our busiest hours.
We look forward to the day when we can welcome families back into the building, but during this gradual reopening, we are only allowing one person per family in the building.
All visitors are required to wear a face covering. If unable to wear a face cover, curbside pickup is still available to all patrons.
You may use the copier or send a fax using our self-service machine. If you need staff assistance, they will assist you from a distance of at least 6 feet. We request that you bring exact change with you.
The library will close every day between 1pm and 2pm for a thorough cleaning. Please be aware that throughout the day, the staff will also be cleaning high touch surfaces frequently.
During this gradual reopening, the following services will not be available:
Late fees or fines are not being charged on books that were due back during our closure. Fine forgiveness is scheduled to end on June 22nd. Thank you.
All dates are subject to change and are based on the State of Connecticut’s reopening plan.
Our online resources are still available for your 24/7 convenience, as well as:
Update from Your Torrington Library
We are pleased to announce a series of reopening steps that are currently taking place at the Torrington Library.
The library is scheduled to reopen to the public for browsing and checkout only on June 22nd.
Summer hours in July and August are:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: Open 10am-6:00pm (Closed from 1-2 for cleaning)
Wednesday and Thursday: Open 10am-8pm (Closed from 1-2 for cleaning)
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
We are always happy to see our patrons, but at this time, there will be a limited number of patrons allowed in the building at one time. Please plan for a short visit. We are asking that you limit your visit to 30 minutes. Please be prepared to wait in line to enter the building during our busiest hours.
We look forward to the day when we can welcome families back into the building, but during this gradual reopening, we are only allowing one person per family in the building.
All visitors are required to wear a face covering. If unable to wear a face cover, curbside pickup is still available to all patrons.
You may use the copier or send a fax using our self-service machine. If you need staff assistance, they will assist you from a distance of at least 6 feet. We request that you bring exact change with you.
The library will close every day between 1pm and 2pm for a thorough cleaning. Please be aware that throughout the day, the staff will also be cleaning high touch surfaces frequently.
During this gradual reopening, the following services will not be available:
- Computer terminals
- Lounge seating and study tables
- Public bathrooms and water fountains
- Private study carrels
- Newspapers or magazines
- All meeting and visitations
Late fees or fines are not being charged on books that were due back during our closure. Fine forgiveness is scheduled to end on June 22nd. Thank you.
All dates are subject to change and are based on the State of Connecticut’s reopening plan.
Our online resources are still available for your 24/7 convenience, as well as:
- Staff to answer phone inquiries Monday-Friday 10am-5pm.
- Curbside Pickup Monday-Friday 10am-5pm. Please call the library to place an order or visit our website.
- Outdoor book returns are open 24/7. Please do not return materials from other libraries in the book returns or donated books. We are not taking donations at this time.
- Late fees or fines are not being charged on books that were due back during our closure. Fine forgiveness is scheduled to end on June 22nd. Thank you.
- Contactless Summer Reading Program for children ages PreK-17.
- Virtual programming via Zoom for adults.