Director Sara Slymon announces that, beginning August 02, 2021, 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 is not 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 is 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.
The Department of Public Health has issued a new mask advisory in light of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance. Fully vaccinated individuals are advised to wear a mask or face covering when indoors outside of your home if you have a weakened immune system, are at increased risk for COVID-19 or if someone in your household is at increased risk or unvaccinated. Masks are still mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings.
