Natick Report

More than you really want to know about Natick, Mass.

Bacon Free Library, Natick History Museum now open by appointment only

by Leave a Comment

The slow crawl back to normalcy continues at Bacon Free Library and the Natick Historical Society, which are now adding in-person visits to the building by appointment only on Tuesdays from 10am-1:30pm.

You can book the library, Natick History Museum, or both for a total of 30 minutes.

Bacon Free Library, Natick
Curbside pickups will be suspended during appointments, but will continue Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am-4pm and Tuesday 2-4pm.

Your party can include up to four people.

Note: No public bathroom use.

The Morse Institute Library reopened to patrons in August.

More:  Subscribe to our Natick Report daily email

Page Waterman, Natick Report
London Harness
Linden Square, Wellesley

Morse Institute Library in Natick reopens—a first look

by Leave a Comment

We’ve missed the  Morse Institute Library terribly since it closed in the spring to COVID-19 concerns, so you can bet we rushed right in to get a first look at the recently reopened main branch. No matter how many rules we had to follow (and those rules weren’t all that onerous) it didn’t matter. We just wanted to drift through one of our old haunts and remember better days.

The first floor only is open and, as expected, there is no congregating allowed. However, the public computers and copy machines are available, as are the study carrels and other seating. Bathrooms are open. There is no water fountain access. The library is accepting book donations, and the Friends of the Library book sale, to the right as you enter, is on.

There is no official number of patrons who can be in the building at any one time, nor is there a maximum visiting time. Director so and so and the staff are confident that common sense will rule the day. If the place gets so crowded that social distancing cannot be maintained, or a certain patron appears to have settled in for the day, staff will deal with those issues as they come up.

Here are a few pics:

Morse Institute Library, Natick
Morse Institute Library lobby. The lobby area was positively buzzing with happiness. Librarians welcomed back patrons by name, and patrons one and all let the staff know how happy they were to be welcomed back into the library.
Morse Institute Library, Natick
Library Director Jason Homer said, “We are happy to be welcoming people back into the library. This is a public space, and we want the public to enter. We are working to keep things as safe as possible. By opening incrementally, we can scale up or scale back as need be.”
Morse Institute Library, Natick
The library staff  has missed patrons, and has worked hard to develop protocols to keep everyone safe. Masks must be worn and social distancing of 6-feet is a must. Movable plexiglass shields have been placed on surfaces between library staff and patrons. Hand sanitizer has been placed throughout the library.
Morse Institute Library, Natick
The periodicals room, for now. Librarians have put out about a dozen of the most popular magazines. If patrons would like a different periodical,  they can ask the librarians, and they will pull it from the shelves.
Morse Institute Library, Natick
Chromebook stations are set up throughout the first floor.
Morse Institute Library, Natick
Look beyond the bubblers if you’re thirsty for knowledge.
Morse Institute Library, Natick
A selection of children’s materials have been brought up to the first floor.
Morse Institute Library, Natick
At the holds area, a sign asks patrons to observe the “1 person at a time” rule.
Morse Institute Library, Natick
The Friends of the Morse Institute Library has quarantined all donations. The volunteer-led non-profit organization helps fund museum passes, Speed Reads, large print books, programs for all ages, and more.
Morse Institute Library, Natick
It’s nice to see the doors flung open once more at the Morse Institute Library. The library hours are: Mon. – Fri., 9am-10am (senior & at-risk), and  10am-6pm for the general public; and Saturday, 10am-2pm

MORE:

The Wellesley Free Library reopens—a first look

Morse Institute Library in Natick reopening to in-person visits

by Leave a Comment

The Morse Institute Library in Natick has announced it is reopening to in-person visits of one hour or less beginning on Monday, Aug. 10.

  • The Morse Express plan includes lots of rules:
  • In-person visits are limited to one hour and one person per family.
  • Face coverings must be worn and social distancing standards must be followed
  • Browsing is limited to the main level and all soft seating has been removed (remaining seats are spaced for safety). Library staff can grab stuff for you from other floors.
  • Teen and kids’ materials have been shifted to the main floor for browsing
  • Computer access limited to one 45-minute session per day by appointment by calling 508-647-6520

Scanning, printing, copying, and faxing on our Main Level is available.

  • Reference assistance is available virtually at Research Terminal on the Main Level or from home using our Digital Branch

Morse Institute Library
In-person Library Hours (starting 8/10): 

Monday – Friday
9am-10am (seniors & at-risk)
10am-6pm

Saturday
10am-2pm

Contactless Pickup is still be available for patrons who choose to use this service, and contactless delivery  is available as well for those who cannot come to the building.

Bacon Free Library remains limited to curbside pickup Monday-Friday 10am-4pm, though also has added fun games outside on its grounds.

In Wellesley, the main branch of the library has opened for a similar sort of in-person experience on Aug. 3.

More:  Subscribe to our Natick Report daily email

Those Natick summer reading books aren’t going to read themselves—time to get serious

by Leave a Comment

Books, NatickSummer is slipping away, and that means it’s time for students to make sure they get their assigned summer reading done by the first day of school which is, as of right now, September 1. Timing is essential. Read the books too early in the summer, and memories of plot, theme, and character development fade. Leave it too late, and the stress of finishing the books overshadows the enjoyment of curling up for a transporting experience.

Don’t anybody panic, there’s still plenty of time to get students engaged in that most lovely of summer activities, cozying up with a good book.

We’ve listed the summer reading books for Natick public schools students in grades 5 – 12, along with links for more information. Students in grades K – 4 don’t have a formal summer reading requirement, but the Morse Institute Children’s Room librarians have put together the perfect list for them, too. Contact the library at (508) 647-6520 to find out how to access that list.

Summer reading, Natick Middle School (Kennedy & Wilson)

Incoming Grade 8:

All Natick Middle School 8th graders have one required book to read over the summer — The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton
In addition to the required text, students should read at least two other books.

Incoming Grade 7 — read one below, and two of your choice:

Look Both Ways, by Jason Reynolds
The Next Great Paulie Fink, by Ali Benjamin
In addition to the required text, students should read at least two other books.

Incoming Grade 6 — read one below, and two of your choice:

Song for a Whale, by Lynne Kelly
Ghost, by Jason Reynolds
To: Night Owl From: Dogfish, by Holly Goldberg Sloan & Meg Wolitzer
In addition to the required text, students should read at least two other books.

Incoming Grade 5 — read one below, and two of your choice:

Because of the Rabbit, by Cynthia Lord
Enginerds, by Jarrett Lerner
In addition to the required text, students should read at least two other books.

Natick’s Language & Literacy teachers have put together questions on each book, which will help students be ready for in-class discussions, essays, and other learning experiences. You can find the information at this link.

Summer reading, Natick High School

All students must choose one book from the list of six options below. In the fall, students will participate in a small group discussion on the major themes and topics of their chosen text.

Children of Blood and Bone, by Tomi Adeyemi
Craig and Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other, by Craig Grossi
Far from the Tree by Robin Benway
Long Way Down, by Jason Reynolds
Patron Saints of Nothing, by Randy Ribay
Piecing Me Together, by Renee Watson

Info here on how to access an Ebook for free with your library card though Hoopla and Libby.

Info here for additional Honors and AP requirements.

Natick elementary schools

There are no formal summer reading requirements or assignments for grades K – 4. But don’t let that stop kids from enjoying all the good books they can get their hands on. Contact the Morse Institute Library at (508) 647-6520 to find out how to access a list the librarians have put together.

More:  Subscribe to our Natick Report daily email

Both Natick libraries now offering pickups

by Leave a Comment

bacon free library south natick sign

Bacon Free Library begins offering curbside pickup on Tuesday, May 26.

Here’s how it works:

  • Check the materials catalog online to see if an item is available  (don’t place a hold).
  • Call 508-653-6730 or email bflpickups@gmail.com Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. to confirm a pickup.
  • Swing by the front of the library and park. Call the number above and a staff member will bring your item or items to the table near the book drop. Once the staff member moves away, you can grab your item or items.

Morse Institute, Natick

Separately, the Morse Institute Library has been offering contactless hold pickup since mid-May.

Here’s how it works:

  •  Put items on hold using your Minuteman account 
  • Wait for an email, text, or phone call that your items are ready to be picked up.
  • Book a pickup appointment window using our online pickup calendar or give a call at 508-907-4384.
  • Come to the main entrance of the library during your appointment window and grab your items off the contactless pickup shelf. Items will be checked out and bagged with your name on it.