As patrons again begin to peruse the stacks in Littleton’s Bemis Library at the end of January, they will re-enter a place that may feel as comfortable and familiar as the community library ever has.
But behind the scenes, Bemis is in the midst of a transition that will reshape the library for years to come — the outcome of a COVID-era trial by fire that has hindered some offerings but may put the library on the path to a brighter future.
“It’s been a challenge to deliver the services we’re so passionate about,” said Nancy Trimm, the library’s former deputy director, who took the helm as director in November amid a reshuffling of roles in city government. “But libraries are rife with creative, innovative people. We’re rolling with the punches.”
There has been no shortage of punches. When COVID struck last March, the library shut down completely, not reopening for…
