The Bridgton Public Library continues to offer limited services while facing the changes to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic response. 

“Our building will be closed to the public, but we are offering no-contact book drop-off and pickup through the month of May. We are also able to offer home delivery service through the mail if you would prefer (we will  confirm your home address in our records and mail items to you),” library officials reported.

Pickup hours will be Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Just ring the doorbell for service! Please call (207-647-2472) and leave a message or send an e-mail to (bplreference@bridgton.lib.me.us) to let library workers know if you are interested in these options.

BPL is modifying hours from normal operation to allow staff time to go through the shelves gathering your books and packaging them up. BPL recommends using the online catalog to put “Holds” on items, this is the fastest way for BPL to get your books to you. 

“We can also offer To-Go bags for kids and adults! If you need your username or account number, or would like to order To-Go bags, please call, leave a message, or e-mail us at bplreference@bridgton.lib.me.us. Need a password reset? We can do that, too,” library officials reported. “We are working on setting up safe processes for accepting donated materials, please be patient and know how much we appreciate your donations.”

BPL staff have been thinking of the best ways to get the public the things they need at home. As always, BPL  has online resources, including eBooks and audiobooks through cloudLibrary and Digital Maine databases, links to government websites with current and accurate information, education websites with fun and engaging activities for kids and families, and our community resources with extra information on unemployment and legal assistance. 

Miss Samantha has been posting activities and challenges on FaceBook and InstaGram as well.

BPL is pleased to offer Zoom practice for those who would like to give it a try in a supportive setting. This is every Tuesday through May from 10 to 11 a.m. You can use your computer, tablet, iPad, smartphone or touch-tone phone to give it a try. 

BPL also has small business workshops, Maine author virtual events, To-Go bags for your home, and technology help by appointment.

BPL continues to offer 24-7 Wi-Fi access in its parking lot and courtyard. Please think of BPL if you need a study-from-car hotspot, for those who have students in their homes but don’t have Internet access.