BROOKLINE– Director Sara Slymon announces that, beginning Aug. 2, the Public Library of Brookline will require all patrons to wear masks while inside library buildings.
This change is being made out of an abundance of caution as a result of the increased spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus, which has been found to be more contagious than previous versions.
The requirement applies to unvaccinated and vaccinated patrons alike.
“While we know this isn’t the progress we hoped for earlier this summer, we believe that this is the right step at this time,” Slymon said. “Above all, we want everyone to feel safe and welcome at the town’s libraries. We all made a lot of sacrifices in the last year-and-a-half, and while nobody is happy about this change at this time, it’s a small step that we hope can make a big difference when paired with increased vaccination within our community.”
Library staff had already been wearing masks since facilities reopened to the public and will continue to do so alongside patrons until further notice.
Brookline’s libraries welcome approximately 1,600 patrons daily, and library leaders will be available Monday morning to greet patrons and answer any questions about the new guidance.
###