THE BOOK DROP IS OPEN!!
All returns will be quarantined for 7 days before we check them in and return to the shelves.
On June 1, the Belfast Free Library will open again to the public.
Services and hours have been adjusted in the interest of best service and of safety for
the public and staff.
The library’s hours in this stage of reopening will be
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday: Noon to 5:30 p.m.
• The number of patrons in the library will be limited to ten people on the adult (first) floor and ten people on the children’s (second) floor.
• Reference, research, and technology assistance will be available by appointment on the third floor. Please call 207-338-3884 ext. 25 to make an appointment.
• Time spent in the library will be limited to 30 minutes.
• Masks must be worn in the library for the safety of everyone. An exception is made for children under two years of age. Hand sanitizer is available for all entering the building.
• Patrons are asked to observe 6-foot social distancing protocol and to refrain as much as possible from touching material not being checked out.
• In this stage of reopening, public computers and seating and the meeting rooms will not be available.
• Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
• In cases when the recommended quarantine has not yet happened for people coming from out of Maine, curbside service is available.
Please return all books and library materials in the book drop before entering. All items will be quarantined for 7 days before checking in.
All checked out items are not due until July 10. No overdue fines will accrue during this period.
The library will continue to offer curbside pickup.
Curbside Pick-Up at the Belfast Free Library
Our online library catalog – Minerva --will allow the placing of holds for pick-up of items owned by the Belfast Free Library.
For now, we will have access only to items from the Belfast Free Library’s collection. We will not be able to get material held by other libraries until libraries statewide start lending again and the statewide delivery service is running.
Hours for curbside pickup: Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
To place item on hold:
Search our catalog for items that are currently available.
Put the items you want on hold: Place the hold yourself on Minerva, Or call 207-338-3884 ext.10 between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday.
We will gather the items placed on hold as the requests come in, then place the material in paper bags with your name.
If you have email notification set up, you will receive an email saying that your items are ready. Otherwise, we will call you.
Arranging for your curbside pickup
When you arrive to pick up your items, please give us a call 207-338-3884 ext. 10 from your car or the sidewalk, maintaining 6-foot social distance from others. We will bring your bag outside and place it on the designated bench for you to pick up.
While the library remains closed, please take advantage of and explore the library’s digital resources, which are available through our website: e-books and e-audiobooks on CloudLibrary and RBDigital; movies on Kanopy; craft projects on Creativebug; self-publishing and a variety of other resources on Biblioboard; and a multitude of information resources through the Digital Maine Library. For more information check out the video below.
Also, please stay tuned for updates as we explore potential delivery of other services during this unique time.
Please enjoy these previously filmed virtual programs. More will be added weekly so check back!
With your library card you can use our film streaming service Kanopy.
Get out your library card and sign up for Kanopy
Download popular eBooks and eAudiobooks for free to your phone or tablet with the Belfast Free Library's cloudLibrary.
Search Minerva Catalog
Minerva is an online library catalog that includes more than 85 public, school, college and special library catalogs.
Kids & Teens
Digital Collections
The Belfast Free Library has a growing collection of digital resources, to which we subscribe for our patrons use. These include cloudLibrary for ebooks and
Indie Author Project, a new platform connecting indie authors, libraries and readers.
Library Programs and Book News
DUE TO THE PANDEMIC THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN SUSPENDED FOR NOW.
Beginning on September 16, 2019, the Belfast Free Library will take part in a one year pilot program called the Maine Reciprocal Borrowing Program. Basically it means any BFL library card holder may walk into any of the 68 participating libraries and borrow items from that library. Patrons from those libraries will also be able to come in and check out our items. Unfortunately, because of differences in operating systems and other reasons, not all libraries are taking part at this time. For a list of participating libraries click here. For more information click here.