COVID-19 Updates

March 11, 2022

Beginning Tuesday, March 15, 2022, masks will be recommended but no longer required inside of the Library.

Please note that LPL To Go door pickup is still offered throughout the day for those who would prefer to not come inside. Patrons can come to the library at their convenience once they receive a hold notification. Staff will pack the items upon arrival and meet patrons at the Pine St door. All requests for in-house items must be done in advance via phone or online at https://minerva.maine.edu/.

January 14, 2022

The Library will reopen for normal hours beginning on Tuesday, January 18th at 10 AM.

Note that face coverings are required inside the Library for all people aged 5 and older when community transmission levels for Androscoggin County are classified by the U.S. CDC as Moderate, Substantial, or High. If community transmission is Low, face coverings will not be required. Face coverings are available upon request. Food and drink are not currently permitted in the building to reduce risk of transmission.

Please note that LPL To Go door pickup is still offered throughout the day for those who would prefer to not come inside. Patrons can come to the library at their convenience once they receive a hold notification. Staff will pack the items upon arrival and meet patrons at the Pine St door. All requests for in-house items must be done in advance via phone or online at https://minerva.maine.edu/.

Thank you for following these guidelines.

January 5, 2022

The Library remains closed to the public for general access. We will reevaluate next week with a tentative reopening set for January 18, 2022, and will continue to communicate any updates.

LPL To Go door pickup will still be offered throughout the day during normal Library business hours.

The Children’s Department is available during normal open hours for browsing at a limited capacity. Please call 513-3133 or email LPLKids@LewistonMaine.gov to make an appointment.

December 20, 2021

Due to the increase in positive cases in the community, effective today, the Library is closed to the public for general access. LPL To Go door pickup will still be offered throughout the day during normal Library business hours.

The Children’s Department is available during normal open hours for browsing at a limited capacity. Please call 513-3133 or email LPLKids@LewistonMaine.gov to make an appointment.

We will reevaluate prior to January 8, 2022 and continue to communicate any updates.

September 13, 2021

Effective immediately, face coverings are required inside the Library for all people aged 5 and older when community transmission levels for Androscoggin County are classified by the U.S. CDC as Moderate, Substantial, or High. If community transmission is Low, face coverings will not be required. Face coverings are available upon request.

The Library serves large numbers of children who are not yet able to be vaccinated due to age. The CDC has stated that the COVID-19 vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from catching the virus. These protocols mirror those that were recently enacted by the Lewiston School Department.

Please note that LPL To Go door pickup is still offered throughout the day for those who would prefer to not come inside. Patrons can come to the library at their convenience once they receive a hold notification. Staff will pack the items upon arrival and meet patrons at the Pine St door. All requests for in-house items must be done in advance via phone or online at https://minerva.maine.edu/.

Please help us ensure the safety of our youngest library patrons. Thank you for following these guidelines.

August 18, 2021

Effective Monday, August 16, 2021, LPL is back to normal summer operating hours:

  • Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 7 pm
  • Friday: 10 am – 5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am – 2 pm

As always, regular Saturday hours go back in effect after Labor Day, starting Tuesday, September 7, 2021:

  • Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 7 pm
  • Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm

Conference, study rooms, and Callahan Hall are once again available for reservations. Please contact lplreference@lewistonmaine.gov or 513-3135 to inquire further.

Per updated guidance from the U.S. CDC, persons in counties with “substantial” or “high” levels of COVID-19 community transmission are advised to wear face coverings in public indoor settings. Androscoggin County is currently (8/18/21) at “substantial” levels. Up-to-date recommendations are available at the State of Maine’s COVID-19 Response website.

August 9, 2021

Effective Monday, August 16, 2021, LPL will return to normal summer operating hours:

  • Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 7 pm
  • Friday: 10 am – 5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am – 2 pm

In accordance with City of Lewiston policy, masks are optional for fully vaccinated library patrons, and required for those who are unvaccinated, ages 5 and older. We appreciate your help in keeping our youngest community members safe.

Conference, study rooms, and Callahan Hall are once again available for reservations. Please contact lplreference@lewistonmaine.gov or 513-3135 to inquire further.

Welcome back!

June 11, 2021

Effective June 14, 2021, the new open blocks are:

  • Monday-Thursday
    • 10 am – 1 pm
    • 3 – 7 pm
  • Friday
    • 10 am – 1 pm
    • 3 – 5 pm
  • Saturday
    • 10 am – 2 pm

In accordance with City of Lewiston policy, masks are optional for fully vaccinated library patrons, and required for those who are unvaccinated, ages 5 and older.

Staff will remind patrons as time limits come to an end. Entry will be allowed throughout the block, but the building will be cleared at the end of each block, so patrons should plan accordingly. Children’s Room appointments are no longer required.

LPL To Go door pickup is still offered throughout the day. Patrons can come to the library at their convenience once they receive a hold notification. Staff will pack the items upon arrival and meet patrons at the Pine St door. All requests for in-house items must be done in advance via phone or online at https://minerva.maine.edu/. Computer and copier usage will continue to be available on a first come, first served basis during open blocks only.

Conference and study rooms can be reserved based on availability and the open schedule. Callahan Hall is temporarily unavailable. Please contact lplreference@lewistonmaine.gov or 513-3135 to inquire further.

Staff will continue to be available all day for LPL To Go and to assist patrons by phone or email from 10 am – 7 pm Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 5 pm Friday, and 10 – 2 pm on summer Saturdays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day).

May 28, 2021

The Library is expanding its hours throughout the month of June. Effective June 1, 2021, the new open blocks are:

  • Monday-Thursday
    • 10 am – 1 pm
    • 3 – 4 pm
    • 5:30 – 6:30 pm
  • Friday
    • 10 am – 1 pm 
    • 3 – 4 pm
  • Saturday
    • 10 am – 2 pm

In accordance with City of Lewiston policy, masks are now optional for fully vaccinated library patrons, and required for those who are unvaccinated, ages 5 and older.

Staff will remind patrons as time limits come to an end. Entry will be allowed throughout the block, but the building will be cleared at the end of each block, so patrons should plan accordingly. Children’s Room appointments are no longer required.

LPL To Go door pickup is still offered throughout the day. Patrons can come to the library at their convenience once they receive a hold notification. Staff will pack the items upon arrival and meet patrons at the Pine St door. All requests for in-house items must be done in advance via phone or online at https://minerva.maine.edu/. Computer and copier usage will continue to be available on a first come, first served basis during open blocks only.

Conference and study rooms can be reserved based on availability and the open schedule. Callahan Hall is temporarily unavailable. Please contact lplreference@lewistonmaine.gov or 513-3135 to inquire further.

Staff will continue to be available all day for LPL To Go and to assist patrons by phone or email from 10 am – 7 pm Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 5 pm Friday, and 10 – 2 pm on summer Saturdays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day).

May 24, 2021

In accordance with City of Lewiston policy, masks are now optional for fully vaccinated library patrons, and required for those who are unvaccinated.

Browsing is allowed during specific hours. Patrons can enter the building during one-hour open blocks for in-library activities such as browsing, picking up holds, and using computers on all three floors. These time limits will allow for safe access to the building while reducing the risk of virus transmission from prolonged indoor exposure. The Library continues to work with city and public health officials to expand access as it becomes safe to do so.

The one-hour open blocks are:

  • Monday-Thursday
    • 11 am – 12 pm
    • 3 – 4 pm
    • 5:30 – 6:30 pm
  • Fridays and Saturdays
    • 11 am – 12 pm
    • 3 – 4 pm

Staff will remind patrons as the one hour time limit comes to an end. Entry will be allowed throughout the hour, but the building will be cleared at the end of each block, so patrons should plan accordingly.

LPL To Go door pickup is still offered throughout the day. Patrons can come to the library at their convenience once they receive a hold notification. Staff will pack the items upon arrival and meet patrons at the Pine St door. All requests for in-house items must be done in advance via phone or online at https://minerva.maine.edu/. Computer and copier usage will continue to be available on a first come, first served basis during open blocks only.

Please continue to use the outdoor book drops for all returns. Conference and study rooms remain unavailable at this time.

Staff will continue to be available all day for LPL To Go and to assist patrons by phone or email from 10 am – 7 pm Monday – Thursday and 10 am – 5 pm Friday and Saturday.

March 17, 2021

Welcome back! Beginning Monday, March 22nd, LPL will once again allow inside browsing of the 1st and 2nd floors during specific hours. Read more about this phase here.

The Children’s Room will still be accessible by appointment only. LPL To Go door pickup will still be offered throughout the day. lease continue to use the outdoor book drops for all returns. Conference and study rooms remain unavailable at this time.

August 13, 2020

Lewiston Public Library is now offering some library services inside the building! Due to physical distancing requirements, space is limited and advance appointments are required.

For more information about what we will do to minimize the risk of virus transmission, see our LPL COVID-19 Code of Conduct.

Please note that we are not yet open for browsing on the 1st or 2nd floor. To borrow library materials, please use our LPL to Go service.

Computer/Copier Services

  • Use of library computers. Sessions are 45 minutes long. Computers are physically distanced from each other. Printing is available.
  • Copier services. We can now copy, fax, or scan your paper documents. Regular charges will apply.

For more information or to make an appointment, call (207) 513-3135 or email LPLReference@lewistonmaine.gov.

Children’s Room Visits

  • Use of the Children’s Room for browsing & checkouts of children’s items and use of the children’s computers.
  • Sessions are 45 minutes long. Single groups of up to 5 people per appointment. Adult supervision is required.

For more information or to make an appointment, call (207) 513-3133 or email LPLKids@lewistonmaine.gov.

July 10, 2020

Still have stacks of library materials at home?

LPL is now requesting that items checked out before the closure be returned as soon as possible. Courtesy due date reminders will once again begin going out by email. If you haven’t received a reminder or have not provided an email to the library, you can also check your account online at https://minerva.maine.edu/patroninfo or by contacting the Lending department at 207-513-3134 or lpl@lewistonmaine.gov

LPL offers a one-week grace period, after which late fees will begin to accrue. Please use the Pine St book drop for returns as our building remains closed to the public. Per State guidelines, returned items will be placed in quarantine. Additional late fees will not accrue during quarantine, but items will still appear on your account until they can be safely checked in by staff.

Interlibrary loan is back!

Starting Monday, July 13, LPL patrons will once again be able to request books from other Maine libraries. Please expect some delays as all libraries and the delivery service will be quarantining items before they reach you. Rest assured that we will work through requests as quickly and safely as possible!

All requests should still be placed via our LPL To Go service for Lewiston and Auburn library cardholders.

  • Reserve up to 10 library items by using our online catalog, emailing our librarians, or calling the Lending Services desk at (207) 513-3134
  • Normal hold notifications processes are in place. For Lewiston items, you will be notified within 2-3 days. Items from other libraries will take longer as they must be quarantined before they reach you.
    • If you normally receive phone calls for your holds, we will call you to schedule a pick-up.
    • If you normally receive texts or emails from the library for your holds, please contact us to schedule an appointment for pick-up when notified.

Pickup happens at the library’s main entrance

Our librarians are available to take your calls Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. We are experiencing a higher than normal call volume; please leave a voicemail with your call back number if we can’t take your call right away, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

June 8, 2020

Introducing Lewiston Public Library’s new pickup service, LPL To Go! Place requests beginning TODAY, for both Lewiston and Auburn library cardholders.

  • Reserve up to 10 library items by using our online catalog, emailing our librarians, or calling the Lending Services desk at (207) 513-3134
  • We will gather your items and call you to schedule a pickup time within 2-3 days of your request
  • Pickup happens at the library’s main entrance

Our librarians are available to take your calls Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. We are expecting a higher than normal call volume; please leave a voicemail with your call back number if we can’t take your call right away, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Pickups will be scheduled between 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm Monday through Friday.

More information here: LPL To Go.

May 15, 2020

The Library building remains closed while we develop a reopening plan with the safety of residents and staff as our top priority. Services will resume in phases when determined that these can be done safely. Staff are available by phone or email M-F from 9 AM – 5 PM.

NEW: The Library is now accepting returns of library materials beginning on Monday, May 18th. Books and other items can be returned through the book return slot near the entrance on Pine Street. The Lewiston Public Library is not loaning out materials at this time.

Please be aware that all returned items will be put into quarantine, which means they will still appear on your library account until they can be safely handled and checked in. No late fees will be incurred for the time being. Thank you for your patience.

April 17, 2020

Dear Lewiston Community,

The Library remains closed until further notice. Updates on Library services and the City of Lewiston’s response to COVID-19 will be posted on the Library website (lplonline.org) and the City of Lewiston website (www.lewistonmaine.gov).

In the meantime, please visit LibraryLA.org and our various social media channels for information on LPL’s virtual offerings:

Be safe,

Marcela Peres
Library Director

April 3, 2020

Expected reopening date: Wednesday, May 6, 2020.

We will continue to communicate any changes or updates.

March 24, 2020

The Lewiston Public Library will remain closed until April 27, 2020, based on continuing social distancing guidance from the Maine Center for Disease Control (CDC).

We will reevaluate prior to April 27, 2020 and continue to communicate any updates.

March 17, 2020

Dear Lewiston Community,

In order to maintain appropriate social distancing, and in an effort to flatten the curve of any potential viral transmission within our community, and based on the most recently updated information available, the Lewiston Public Library will be closed until April 6th. At that point, the situation will be re-evaluated.

During this period, any items borrowed from the Library should be retained and not returned. Fines will be waived while the Library is closed. Inter-library loan has been suspended statewide.

Although the building is closed to the public, the Library will continue to serve our community. At this time, staff are available by phone or email Monday through Friday from 9-5 to answer questions, refer you to reputable information, and help you access the Library’s large array of digital services.

I encourage you to visit LibraryLA.org, where you can find the following, all free from home with your library card:

Updates on Library services and the City of Lewiston’s response to COVID-19 will be posted on the Library website (lplonline.org) and the City of Lewiston website (www.lewistonmaine.gov), as well as the Library’s social media pages.

We look forward to welcoming you back into the library in the days to come.

Be safe,

Marcela Peres

Library Director

March 12, 2020

Based on guidance and recommendations by the Maine CDC and Lewiston officials in response to COVID-19 developments, effective immediately, the Library will:

Cancel all scheduled Library programming for March and April.
Temporarily suspend use of Library meeting and study rooms for March and April.

Library hours and access to library materials will not change at this time.

This is a rapidly changing situation that we are continuing to monitor. Any additional changes will be communicated on the Library website (lplonline.org) and the City of Lewiston website (www.lewistonmaine.gov).

The safety of our community, library patrons, and staff is of the utmost concern. We thank you for your understanding as this situation evolves.

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Page last updated: Mar 15, 2022