More than you really want to know about Natick, Mass.
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.
Your party can include up to four people.
Note: No public bathroom use.
The Morse Institute Library reopened to patrons in August.
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:
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.
Scanning, printing, copying, and faxing on our Main Level is available.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bacon Free Library begins offering curbside pickup on Tuesday, May 26.
Here’s how it works:
Separately, the Morse Institute Library has been offering contactless hold pickup since mid-May.
Here’s how it works:
