FAQ: Library Services During COVID-19

As of Monday, March 15, the library is open to the public during the following hours:

Monday - Friday:  10 am - 12 pm and 3 pm - 6 pm
Saturday:  10 am - 1 pm

Meeting rooms and the Maker Space are not available.

Limited computer services
Computers will be available for 60-minute sessions.  Computer use will be first-come, first-served. We are not taking reservations for computer sessions.

Curbside pickup
Curbside pickup of reserved materials will still be available during our open hours, but patrons must call the library when they are here to let staff know to bring their materials to the door.

All visitors must comply with recommended health and safety protocols while on the Library campus. This includes the requirement that persons over the age of 5 wear an appropriate face mask or face covering when proceeding beyond the Library foyer. Masks will be available to visitors who do not have one with them.  Patrons must maintain a six-foot distance from others inside and outside of the building.

Patrons can come into the library during our open hours to browse the collections and check out materials.

Those patrons who still prefer curbside pickup of their reserved materials can come to the library during our open hours and call when they're here to let a staff member know to bring their materials to them at the door.

A limited number of 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.

NH Covid Vaccine Phases Information

NH Covid Vaccine Registration

NH Covid Vaccine Registration FAQ

Covid-19 Vaccine Information (NH Dept of Health & Human Services)

Registration can also be done over the phone. Call 211.

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.

The book drops are open for returns. Please return all materials to the outside book drops rather than bringing them inside the library.

All returned materials are quarantined for 5 days before being checked in. Returned materials will still show up on patron accounts until they are checked in, but no fines will be charged.

Please do NOT put donations in the book drops. We cannot take donations at this time and need to keep the book drops available to return library materials.

Meeting rooms and event spaces continue to be available for vital Library and City business only. They are not available to the general public until further notice.

Updated March 13, 2021

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.

Interlibrary Loan service has resumed, but there are some restrictions. Many libraries are not open and staffed to handle interlibrary loan services. 

You can update or apply for and receive a library card during our open hours.

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.

You can begin the library card application process by filling out this form.

See this page for information about Keene Public Library card eligibility.

updated March 13, 2021

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. 

You can call to speak with a reference librarian Monday - Friday, 9:30-12:30 and 2:30-6 pm, or 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday. If you leave a message, someone will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also use the Ask a Librarian form to submit questions answered by email as staff availability permits.

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.

The library is unable to accept donations at this time.

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.

We offer programs for adults every week. Check our calendar to see what events are coming up.

The Makerspace continues to be closed to the public.  Please call the library and ask to speak to anyone on the Youth Department staff if you have questions about the Makerspace.

Makers Respond to the Worldwide COVID 19 Crisis

CoBuild19 - Sharing Activities for Kids and Families at Home

There is a LOT of information out there about coronavirus and COVID-19. As with other kinds of information, a lot of it is good, and a lot of it isn't. 

We recommend the Centers for Disease Control and the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

For local information, visit the City of Keene's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information page.

For information for kids, download Coronavirus: A Book For Children.