As you know the library is still closed to the public. The good news is that we have many online programs, activities and resources available as you will see from the extensive list below. The bad news is we don’t know when we will reopen. That will depend on Governor Murphy’s Road Back plan and at what point in the plan libraries are permitted to open. In addition, when we open, we may not be able to provide all the services we have provided in the past. We may not be able to offer public programs. People may not be allowed to congregate in the library. Social distancing will probably have to be practiced. Patrons may not be allowed to use the public computers. Toys and puzzles in the children’s room will remain unavailable. Hopefully, over time, restrictions will be lifted and we will be able to return to all the services previously provided.
In preparation to re-open we will call for your assistance. We know that right now there are over 11,000 library items checked out. These items will have to be quarantined for 72 hours when they are returned. We will need your assistance in getting these items returned, quarantined and ready to be re-shelved in an orderly way. When we get the go-ahead, we will ask patrons to return items to the book drops in alphabetical order by your last name. This will take a number of days and your cooperation. There will be no overdue fines charged until we have received the majority of the items back and have resumed some regular library service. Please be patient in receiving items that you have placed on hold.
While the library has been closed, we have continued to place orders for new publications but our vendors have been holding the new items in their locations. Patrons have been allowed to place holds on these items during this time. Once we are back in the building, it will take some time for our vendors to ship the items that have been ordered and more time for those items to be processed and made available to patrons who have placed holds. Once again, we ask your patience in getting these items into your hands.
We look forward to getting back in the building and restoring services as quickly as we can. We have missed all of you and hope that you have missed us too. Looking forward to greeting you soon! Stay safe! Stay well!