As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the libraries in the SAILS network want to let you know the measures we are taking to provide service to our patrons and students during this period. Our libraries are committed to delivering essential services while also protecting the health and safety of staff and all of our users.

Many of our libraries are closed, while others are restricting programming and services.  We have posted a list that shows all known cancellations and restrictions in the SAILS network. However, please also check with your library before planning a visit just to be sure there have been no changes in the schedule.

3/17/2020 UPDATE: All SAILS public and K-12 libraries are now closed.

Your library checkouts

For public library patrons, if you have any library checkouts that are due March 12 or later, the due date for those materials will be extended to April 15 across the SAILS network. All school library checkouts have been extended to April 7, the current date for schools to re-open in the Commonwealth. Students and faculty at SAILS academic libraries should contact their libraries with questions about extended due dates. These dates may be extended again if needed.

3/26/2020 UPDATE: School library checkouts that were originally due March 12 or later have now been extended to a May 11 due date.

Your holds

Patrons and students will continue to be able to place holds on material during this period, however, the statewide service that delivers materials from one library to another has been suspended. Your holds will not be filled until libraries re-open and delivery service is restored. Please understand that there will be a delay in filling these holds at that time.

If your hold arrived at your library before it closed, and you did not have a chance to pick it up, we have extended the pickup date to April 15. This will give you a chance to pick up your hold when your library reopens. This date may be extended again if needed.

Online materials

All of our libraries provide access to online materials. E-books, audiobooks, and e-magazines are available through the SAILS Overdrive collection. We recommend using the Libby app to access these resources. 

Your library may also have online collections available. Be sure to visit their web sites to see what else may be available to use while you’re at home.

For people who do not yet have a library card, you can easily sign up for one by filling out the form at https://www.sailsinc.org/my-account/get-a-library-card/. During the COVID-19 epidemic, this card will be good for two months before you need to visit a library to upgrade it to a permanent card.

If your SAILS card was set to expire in March or April, you can continue using your card through May 1 so that you can access these online resources. If you are still unable to access resources due to an expired card, please contact your library to see if it can be extended.

Contact your library if you have further questions.