Manchester City Library

Manchester, NH's Online Library

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The Manchester City Library buildings remain closed to the public

June 22nd, 2020 · 2 Comments · City Library, Main Branch, Uncategorized, West Branch

We are continuing to set up all the social distancing requirements at both buildings as well per the guidelines put out by the Governor’s Task Force for libraries on June 11th

We are pleased to announce the start of contactless curbside service on June 22nd . *Update* Starting on July 6th this service will be available-

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM to 7 PM.

This service will only be available from the main library and be limited to Manchester Library card holders to start.

The process for contactless curbside:

  • Requests for materials must be placed via our online catalog or by calling the library for us to place the hold for you as the building will still be closed to the public.
  • Library staff will notify patrons when their items are ready for pickup.
  • Upon arrival in the library parking lot you will need to call the library at 603-624-6550 and ask for “curbside pickup” and a staff member will bring out your pre-packaged materials and place them on a table.  If you do not have a cell phone Library Staff can make arrangements for you to pick up your items at a specific time.
  • Once the staff member is back in the building you may leave your vehicle and take your package from the table.

As part of the guidelines set in place by the Center for Disease control and the Governor’s Universal Task Force Guidelines the library has set up the following safety protocols to protect staff and patrons as we prepare for this new service:

  • All staff are being screened for COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering the library buildings;
  • All staff are socially distancing within the buildings and are wearing masks;
  • All staff are disinfecting work stations;
  • High touch areas in the buildings are being cleaned multiple times a day;
  • Materials once taken from the book drops by staff wearing gloves and masks are being quarantined before staff checks them back in;
  • Materials that are pulled for holds will be checked out and packaged for patrons and then set aside for 48 hours;
  • Once the 48 hours are up library staff will contact patrons to come pick up your package.

Please continue to place all returns in the outside book drops.  We are still not charging fines and all materials will be checked out for 3 weeks to allow for the safety measures required to quarantine materials before you will receive your held materials.  

While our reopening plans continue please continue to enjoy all of our online programming and services and we look forward to starting up services later on this month! See our Frequently Asked Questions below for additional information.

Be well,

The Library Staff

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the library​building​ open? How will it re-open?

The library director is developing a phased plan for reopening the building. We are committed to heeding ​the guidance of state & local officials about what is feasible regionally and locally. Our first priority is always the safety of our staff and patrons; check the library website for service updates.

The library is gearing up for contactless curbside service!  We are pleased to announce this new service will be starting on June 22nd between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm! This service will only be available from the main library and be limited to Manchester Library Card Holders to start.

Can I return my books?

Please continue to place all returns in the outside book drops.  We are still not charging fines and all materials will initially be checked out for 3 weeks to allow for the safety measures required to quarantine materials before you will receive your held materials.  

Can I reserve a meeting room in the library?

At this time we are not scheduling or reserving any meeting rooms in the library.

Which services is the Library providing right now?

The Manchester City Library is providing a variety of virtual services including our normal digital collection as well as new virtual programs and chat reference Mon-Fri, 9:00 A.M-5:00 P.M.

We are also providing Wi-Fi internet access at both physical buildings. You’re welcome to use it from the parking lot, or the sidewalk at either of our locations. Look for the networked named LibraryGuest. There is no password.

Library items may be returned in our exterior book drops.

If you need more information about the services we are providing please send us an email

Can I sign up for a library card while the building is closed?

Yes!  Sign up for a temporary library card! You’ll receive a confirmation e-mail with a library card number that will let you download books and movies while we’re closed.

Can I still donate books?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, donations are suspended until further notice.

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2 Comments so far ↓

  • Denis R Benoit

    As I don’t own a car I will be walking to the Library for the curbside pickup. Will there be a designated waiting area or will it suffice to wait on the sidewalk?

  • Yvonne

    Dear Denis,

    It would be wonderful and sufficient if you could wait on the sidewalk or on the sidewalk near the bookdrops underneath the “storybook tree” if it’s very hot out. Just be sure to follow the instructions.

    Upon arrival in the library parking lot you will need to call the library at 603-624-6550 and ask for “curbside pickup” and a staff member will bring out your pre-packaged materials and place them on a table. If you do not have a cell phone Library Staff can make arrangements for you to pick up your items at a specific time.
    Once the staff member is back in the building you may leave your vehicle (or leave the sidewalk area) and take your package from the table. The point is to keep up social distancing and to not go near the staff member who brings out your bag of library goodies. (-:

    Thank you and we look forward to ‘seeing’ you soon!