NASHUA – As area libraries have temporarily closed due to COVID-19, many are trying to create events and extend some services in light of the current health situation.

Nationally, over 3,000 libraries have been forced to shutter their doors, leaving in particular, older patrons displaced without a huge part of their daily routine.

“Shutting down libraries has a tremendous impact on the communities that we serve,” says Ramiro Salazar, president of the Public Library Association. “Until they’re closed, sometimes folks don’t realize how important libraries are to them.”

The Nashua Public Library, 2 Court St., (603) 589-4600, announced there will be no fines charged while the library is closed, but did advise not to return materials, as the book drops will also be closed and requested that patrons not leave materials outside the library.

Patrons will not be allowed to place items on hold while they’re closed and items currently on hold and waiting for pickup will be available when the library reopens.

Meeting rooms and museum passes will not be available during the closure and all events and meetings have been cancelled.

The Nashua Public library is encouraging people to visit them online and use their library card to stream free video or download e-books, audiobooks, and magazines. For kids home from school, the library suggests reading Tumblebooks online. For these and other services, visit nashualibrary.org/emedia.

For folks that don’t have a library card, they may sign up online for a temporary card that will provide immediate access to their online services.

Should readers have questions, they may connect with the library by using their “contact us form,” or patrons may chat with staff from our home page. The library also recommends following them on Facebook or subscribing to “This week at your library,” a new email newsletter. Visit nashualibrary.org for complete information.

The Rogers Memorial Library, 194 Derry Rd., Hudson, (603) 886-6030, has also announced that with its closure, no fines will be assessed.

They are however, offering curbside service, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Their website includes information on unemployment benefits, including an unemployment assistance hotline, (603) 271-7700. Staffers will offer assistance in completing and filing forms.

For complete info, visit rogerslibrary.org.

The Wadleigh Memorial Library, 49 Nashua St., Milford (603) 249-0545, is closed but library staff is available between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. to provide curbside pick-up and reference services via phone and email (wadleigh@wadleighlibrary.org). The library will continue its presence in the community through its online resources.

For those without a library card, people can sign up for a 30-day online use-only card which allows access to the ‘Cloud Library,’ databases, and placing holds in our online catalog. Info is available through the main number.

Passport appointments, print/scan services, notary services and tax form are also available.

All meeting room reservations are cancelled.

The library is also requesting that people not return items that they currently have; no late fees! However, staff will be emptying the book drop on a daily basis.

Newsletter information is also available on their website, www.wadleighlibrary.org.

The Amherst Town Library, 14 Main St., Amherst, (603) 673-2288, is closed until Apr. 6; programs and meeting room use will be suspended until Jun. 1.

Any book holds will remain until the library reopens and all late fees will be waived until such time.

The library will periodically monitor phone and email. Questions should be sent to library@amherstlibrary.org.

Check out the library’s virtual tours and field trips — destinations include the Sistine Chapel, the Louvre Museum, the Great Wall of China and more. Ands visit the library’s YouTube channel for their “Peeps” show, www.amherstlibrary.org.

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