FAQ: Library Services During COVID-19
The Keene City Council voted on February 17 to rescind the city’s mask ordinance for public spaces. Masks will no longer be required in the Keene Public Library.
- Keene Public Library welcomes patrons and staff to wear masks if they prefer.
- Masks are available at all service desks.
- Curbside service is still available. Call us at 603-352-0157 for more information.
Is the library open?
The library is open the following hours:
Monday and Friday 10 am — 6 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 am — 8 pm
Saturday 10 am — 3 pm
All visitors must comply with mandated health and safety protocols while on the Library campus.
All meeting rooms are open.
What about curbside service?
Curbside pickup is still available! Call when you arrive to pick up your holds. We will meet you at the Winter Street door with your items.
Can I use a computer at the library?
Computers are available for public use during our open hours. Please see staff at the area service desk to sign up for a computer.
Computer use is first-come, first-served. We are not taking reservations for computers.
All printing from public computers must be prepaid.
Patrons under 18 must have a valid library card on file to use a Library computer.
What printing and photocopying options are there at the library
Prepaid printing is available from the library computers.
The library offers a mobile printing service so you can upload documents from your home computer or through an app on your tablet or smartphone and have them printed at the library. Please see our Mobile Printing information page for more details.
Scanning and photocopying are available during our open hours.
Can I return the books and other materials I have checked out?
The book drops are open for returns. Materials may also be returned inside the library.
Please do NOT put donations in the book drops. We need to keep the book drops available to return library materials.
Donations may be brought inside the library and left in the donations bin provided.
Can I reserve a meeting room or event space
Meeting Rooms and Event Spaces are now open and can be booked. Please call Susan Bloom at the library (603-352-0157) for more information.
Updated April 10, 2024
Can I check out seeds and tools?
Garden tools may be checked out using our curbside pick-up service or during our open hours. A library card is not required to check out the tools. For more information, please call the library at 603-352-0157 or visit our Seed and Tool Lending Library webpage,
Seeds can be requested using our Seed Order Form, subject to availability. A library card is not required.
Can I request items through interlibrary loan?
Interlibrary Loan service has resumed.
How can I get a library card?
You can update or apply for and receive a library card during our open hours. You can begin the library card application process by filling out this form.
We can issue library card numbers by phone so that residents can access our online resources, including digital books, right away or place holds on materials for curbside pick-up. New library accounts will have a 3-month expiration date until the account application and verification process is complete. Please call Susan Hansmeier at 603-352-0157 for more information.
See this page for information about Keene Public Library card eligibility.
How can I renew my library card?
If you have any questions about your library account, you can call the library Monday-Friday, 9 am – 6 pm, and ask to speak with Susan Hansmeier.
How can I access downloadable materials?
With your Keene Public Library card, you always have 24/7 access to our online resources, including the New Hampshire Downloadable Books collection. Even better, some resources do not require a library card.
We also have a collection of eBooks from Ebsco. This collection specializes in ebooks for children.
Check this page for more information about digital books, magazines, and videos.
You can find out more about our wealth of other online resources here.
Can I bring in donations?
Donations are being accepted by the Friends of Keene Public Library.
Please do not leave donations in the book drops, which must be left available for the return of library materials. Donations must be brought into the library and left in the designated area near the Winter Street entrance.
The following items are not accepted:
- dirty, mildewed, smelly, torn books
- encyclopedias
- Reader’s Digest condensed/abridged books
- magazines of any type
- library discards
- textbooks
- business/finance materials older than 3 years
- health/self help materials older than 3 years
- travel guides older than 3 years
- cookbooks that are dirty/sticky/outdated
- small reference collections (e.g., Time-Life series)
- no longer relevant how-to/home improvement/crafts
- cassettes, VHS tapes, 8-track tapes
What about services for children?
At this point, all of our programs for children are hosted outside. In the case of rain, sometimes programs will move into Heberton Hall.
We post activities for kids and teens each day on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr.
Call 603-757-0615 and listen to a short story read by one of our Youth Librarians.
What about programs for Adults
Programs for adults are offered outside, inside in Heberton Hall or the Miller Vincent Room, where we can accommodate social distancing. Many programs continue to have a virtual option.
We encourage all adults to wear face masks when social distancing is not possible.
We offer programs for adults every week. Check our calendar to see what events are coming up.
What about the Makerspace? Can anyone use it?
The Makerspace is now open. Please read our press release for our new hours and safety protocols.
Makers Respond to the Worldwide COVID 19 Crisis
CoBuild19 – Sharing Activities for Kids and Families at Home