The Westerly Public Library is usually a hot spot on weekends. But on a visit this past Saturday, programs were cancelled, the children’s section had no visitors, and upstairs only a few people perused the periodicals and used the computers to go online.

As someone older than 60, Donald Pasetti said he’s in the increased risk category. But he wanted to read the newspaper, so he came to the library anyway.

"I couldn’t resist the urge to catch up on the news," Pasetti said. "It’s very slow in the library, very few people in here. If too many people came in, I’d probably leave."

Eventually, the town announced on Sunday that the library was closed until further notice.

In Westerly, shops, restaurants, and coffee spots were open over the weekend. Families appeared to be staying away from the playgrounds, and there were more out-of-state license plates by the beach. At local grocery stores, you could still find plenty of shoppers.

Last week, the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, which represents businesses in Westerly and Pawcatuck, Conn., just over the Pawcatuck River from downtown Westerly, began advising restaurants that don't have delivery service to consider starting it.

By this weekend, some restaurants, like Bogue's Alley sandwich shop, Longo's Ristorante & Pizzeria, and The Malted Barley, had begun offering curbside pickup for customers to order ahead by phone and have their lunches and dinners brought out to their cars once they were ready.One sushi restaurant, Koi Japanese Cuisine on High Street, was closed to diners and offering take out only.

"Considering the situation with coronavirus," a sign on the restaurant's door read Sunday, "we have decided to limit our services."

The Ocean Community YMCA, which has more than 12,000 members at its three branches in Westerly, Wyoming, and Mystic, Conn., announced Sunday it will be closed until at least March 30.

At least one Westerly church closed Sunday services to parishioners and streamed via Facebook Live instead.

"Out of an abundance of caution, and following the lead of other local civic organizations, we are suspending this weekend's in-person services," Fr. Sunil Chandy, of Christ Episcopal Church announced online. "Our office will remain open during the week...If you need to talk to someone or need pastoral help, please call the office."

Wallee Hutton, owner of Rhode Island Surf Co., a clothing and surf gear shop that's in its first year of operation in downtown Westerly, said walk-in business was slow, but people were trying to adapt.

"I think both the community and small business owners have stuck together to communicate the importance of small business," Hutton said by text, "and some of the challenges that rise during times of fear."