Courtesy photo Author Jamie Ford, whose book, "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet," has been chosen for this year's Nashua Public Library One Book program, will appear in a virtual presentation on Oct. 11.

NASHUA – The hours will be a little shorter at first, and no more than 23 customers can be inside at once, but those minor restrictions won’t dampen the enthusiasm over this coming Monday’s “limited reopening” of the Nashua Public Library.

Outreach and Marketing Librarian Carol Luers Eyman announced the reopening plan last week, several days ahead of the event that patrons young and old have been looking forward to for more than three months.

“We’re not sure what the numbers will be at first,” Eyman said, referring to patrons. She said the curbside pick-up program “has been very popular,” averaging roughly 80 patrons each day since it was instituted shortly after the library was ordered closed.

Some of the patrons who have been using curbside service may continue using it while others may start coming in now that the building is open, Eyman said.

While the children’s room will be closed, staff will be bringing out books and materials and arrange them for browsing and, if desired, checkout.

Patrons are advised they will need to use the self-checkout system, as staff will not be checking out books and materials.

Eyman said the library plans on ramping up its virtual programming for the rest of the summer and into the fall.

Among the events on the schedule is the always popular Nashua Reads presentation, which this year features author Jamie Ford and his book “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.”

The virtual program begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11.

Also scheduled is a presentation by author Linda Hervieux, who will discuss her recent book, “Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-Dayís Black Heroes, at Home and at War,” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26.

For more information on Hervieux and the book, go to www.lindahervieux.com.

All patrons entering the library must wear facemasks, Eyman said. The staff will have some on hand for those without one, but the supply is limited.

The schedule, with what’s open and available and what’s currently restricted, follows.

For more information, contact the library at 589-4600 or information@nashualibrary.org.

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Hours

• The building will be open, and curbside pickup will be available, Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Calls, emails and chat will be answered Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

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Customers will be able to enter the building for the following reasons:

• Pick up materials they have reserved, and browse and check out new materials. A small collection of items for children and teens will be available for browsing and checkout

• Use computers and printers, by appointment only, by calling 589-4600

• Pick up free bag lunches and packets of nonperishable food for children under age 18

• Pick up items printed remotely using the “Print From Anywhere” service

• Make photocopies and send faxes

• Get advice from librarians about what to read or watch next

• Curbside pickup will continue to be available both for items placed on hold and food packets. The expanded Books by Mail program is also available.

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Restrictions

* Maximum of 23 patrons in the building at a time

* Masks are required. Limited supply available for patrons without one

* For people who cannot wear masks, staff members will retrieve items and bring them outside to them

* Self-checkout only. Staff will not check out materials

* Interlibrary loan program will not be available

* The Chandler Memorial Wing and its meeting and study rooms will be closed

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No fines

* Overdue fines have been suspended through Sept. 30. Those who need to pay for lost items are asked to mail a check to the library, 2 Court St.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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