PHOTOS: Framingham Public Library Distributing Free Face Coverings Saturday

By Sydni Williams

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FRAMINGHAM – The main Framingham Public Library on Lexington Street will be distributing free face coverings on Saturday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Last week, the Christa McAuliffe Library branch staff distributed well-over 300 face-coverings on July 17.

Cloth face-coverings are collected at the outdoor book drop-offs at each library.

As of July 17, the City had received 8,000 face-coverings from the public, but Framingham Assistant Library Director Lena Kilburn said the library has a “total goal of 10,000.”

Kilburn told SOURCE that the donated face-coverings are quarantined for a few days. Then, the face-coverings are properly sanitized and placed in sealed plastic bags.

Face-coverings come with “Guidance on Cloth Face Coverings” from the City of Framingham Department of Public Health and an information card reminding of the 2020 census. 

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The Framingham Public Library was “working closely with the department of public health” and specifically Health Director Sam Wong to ensure safety with the distribution.

Library staff set up two outdoor tents at Christa McAuliffe library, each with an extensive array of face-coverings in different colors and patterns. Some people drove up in cars, others parked and walked, but all those who picked up face-coverings were required to sanitize their hands before approaching the tents. 

Among the diverse group of people who received masks at Christa McAuliffe Library was a woman named Sarah (who did not wish to give her last name). She picked up 4 masks, one for her and one for each of her three daughters.

Another woman found out about the mask distribution by word of mouth and quickly stopped by to pick up one mask. 

Kilburn said the library will plan more events in the future as “people need masks now more than ever,” and the willingness to help distribute face-coverings “really shows the heart of the city.”

Framingham residents who can’t make the distribution times can call the City’s information line: 508-532-5411 and make an appointment to pick up masks at the main library. 

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Sydni Williams is a student at St, Mark’s in Southborough. She is a SOURCE intern for summer 2020. SOURCE is accepting applications for fall 2020 and spring 2021 internships. Interested? Email petronimedia@gmail.com

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