New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The Lawler and Wilks branches of the New Bedford Free Public Library system and several city offices will reopen beginning Tuesday, October 13 with limited hours in order to provide in-person services.
The Lawler and Wilks library branches will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Limited browsing, with social distancing, and grab-and-go book pickup will be offered at the libraries. Lawler Library is located at 745 Rockdale Avenue. Wilks Library is located at 1911 Acushnet Avenue. The other library branch openings will be announced in the future.
In addition, three city departments will reopen to limited in-person services: the Health Department, Veterans’ Services Department, and Licensing Board offices will reopen from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, following other City offices’ limited hours.
Currently, several other offices located at City Hall are open to the public on a limited basis: the Treasurer’s Office, City Clerk’s Office, and Elections Office, all Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Access to the buildings will be limited Residents can call ahead to these or other city departments with any questions.
Clear directions will be in place to allow for safe social distancing in the buildings. Strong health and safety requirements are in place to protect residents and employees. In addition to mandatory mask use and social distancing, physical barriers have been installed to ensure the safety of visitors and city employees. Department staff have been trained on best practices to promote health and hygiene, and the building is being sanitized frequently.
Due to the pandemic, residents are still encouraged to pay any bills by mail, by phone, or online whenever possible. Payments can be made online at the City’s website, www.newbedford-ma.gov, and selecting ‘Pay Bills’ directly on the home page. To mail payments, residents can use the mailing address printed on their bills or mail their bills directly to the City Treasurer at the following address:
City Hall – Treasurer’s Office
133 William Street, Room 103
New Bedford, MA 02740
The City is committed to keeping all residents informed of the latest news. Follow the City’s social media pages, including Mayor Jon Mitchell’s and the City of New Bedford’s Facebook pages, tune in to New Bedford Cable Access on Channel 18, and visit the City website at www.newbedford-ma.gov for regularly updated news.
City departments are also doing business by phone or online. Residents are encouraged to contact other city departments for any services they need.
City of New Bedford – Department Phone Numbers
Assessor: 508-979-1440
Cemetery: 508-979-1550
City Clerk: 508-979-1450
Council on Aging: 508-991-6250
Election Commission: 508-979-1420
Fire (non-emergency): 508-991-6124
Health: 508-991-6199
Inspectional Services: 508-979-1540
Police (non-emergency): 508-991-6300
Traffic: 508-979-1766
Trash: 508-979-1520
Treasurer: 508-979-1430
