New Masking Policy as of March 1st, 2022

The New Jersey Governor recently announced that the mask mandate for schools and daycare centers would cease to be in effect as of March 7th. Ramsey Schools announced that they would be following suit with this policy and going mask optional as of Tuesday, March 7th, as will the Ramsey Borough Hall on March 1st. Given these steps and with other local organizations and schools following this new state guideline, the library will also be following this precedent and will be changing its policy regarding masks: As of March 1st, 2022, masks will be OPTIONAL for all visitors and staff. This new measure applies to all ages and is regardless of vaccination status. Recent trends in the virus along with the availability of vaccines will hopefully continue to move things in a positive direction regarding the pandemic. I would also like to note that the library installed MERV13 filters into our HVAC system, which includes circulating outside air continually into the building. These precautions have shown to be effective at mitigating spread over the course of the pandemic.

So once again, as of March 1st mask will be optional for all visitors as well as staff. That being said, I want to emphasize that anyone who feels more comfortable wearing a mask should absolutely continue to wear one when visiting the library and there are staff who will continue to wear a mask as well. Let's work to be considerate of each other's preference and comfort level when it comes to masking and other precautions.

As I have said many times in the past, my sincere thanks to the Ramsey community for your understanding and support as we navigated the pandemic and changing policies to the best of our ability. Hopefully, this time we are truly on the track toward normalcy :)

  • Matt Latham, Director, Ramsey Free Public Library

Current Guidelines for Visiting

  1. All visitors ages 2 and up are REQUIRED to wear a mask at all times when inside the building, regardless of vaccine status. This includes general visits as well as when attending an indoor event or meeting.

  2. Masks are not required for any visitors for outdoor events, though individuals should still observe six (6) foot social distancing.

The library will provide free masks for anyone visiting who does not have a mask.

These guidelines are subject to change, so check back for updates. The Ramsey Free Public Library will be following the guidelines set forth by the CDC, NJ Governor’s Office, County/local health departments and neighboring libraries, as well as tracking the virus spread levels.

January 2022 Events Update

Out of caution in light of the spread of the Omicron variant, we have moved any events that were originally planned for in-person to virtual or rescheduled them. Until further notice, all library events will be either virtual or take-home in format. In-person meetings for outside community organizations are also currently restricted due to the Omicron variant. We hope to be able to hold in-person events and meetings once again in the near future.

September 8th, 2021 Update

"Starting on September 9th, 2021, all visitors to the Ramsey Free Public Library will be required to wear masks inside the building, regardless of vaccination status. This policy is being put in place in response to the returning high levels of COVID-19 spread. This policy will remain in place until further notice. We appreciate the understanding and support of the Ramsey community."

August 2nd, 2021 Update

On July 27th, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) announced new recommendations for mask wearing. These guidelines were announced in response to the Delta variant and rising infection rates. These new guidelines recommend that fully vaccinated people to wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission. Recent CDC data shows Bergen County to fall into the ‘substantial’ risk category, thus triggering these recommendations. You can use the CDC online tool to see the risk levels for Bergen County. The NJ Governor’s office followed the CDC announcement with a strong recommendation that fully vaccinated people also wear masks indoors in high or substantial risk areas. Given these factors and recommendations, the Ramsey Free Public Library will begin new guidelines for indoor mask wearing, starting on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021.

New Guidelines - Starting August 3rd, 2021

  1. All visitors are strongly encouraged to wear a mask at all times when inside the building, regardless of vaccine status. Visitors who are unvaccinated are required to wear a mask inside the building.

  2. All visitors who are attending an indoor, in-person event are required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. Most events and activities will still take place either outdoors, virtually or as a take-home activity.

We hope that these guidelines will be temporary and that conditions will improve rapidly. For now, the library will continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC with these new guidelines.

June 16th, 2021 Update

Starting on June 21st, masks will no longer be required for any vaccinated visitors or staff, in accordance with current CDC guidelines. Vaccinated visitors and staff may continue to wear masks if they so choose.

For unvaccinated visitors and staff aged two and above, masks and social distancing will still be required.

Other updates:

  • Indoor events will slowly transition to indoors, though most events for the summer have already been planned and remain in their current structure. We for patience as we move through these adjustments throughout the summer. Notifications will be sent out to the community and those registered for programs regarding any changes in the location of an already scheduled event.

  • Indoor children's events will still require masks for all attendees.

  • Meeting room space will be available for use as of September 7th. Groups can begin making reservations as of July 6th.

  • Notary service will begin again as of July 6th by appointment only.

  • We will again accept cash payments for replacements, fines, etc., starting on July 6th.

  • Masks will not be required for any visitors for outdoor events, though unvaccinated individuals should still observe six (6) foot social distancing.

  • Covered beverages and non-aroma emitting snacks are permitted.

Please continue to utilize our hand sanitizer and cleaning stations around the library.

June 1st Update

As of June 1st, 2021, the library has lifted some of our previous restrictions and increased access to the library facility. Starting on June 1st, all of the following changes will be in effect.

  • Indoor seating will be reopened (4 person max at tables, all members of the same group)

  • Time limits for visiting the library will be eliminated

  • Building capacity limits will be eliminated, though 6 foot social distancing is still required (as per state guidelines)

  • All public computers will be reopened

  • All charging stations will be reinstalled

  • The Quiet Study Room will be reopened - social distancing required

We will still have the following safety rules in place:

  • Masks will be required at all times inside the building, regardless of vaccine status

  • Six foot social distancing required

  • No indoor meetings or events

  • No food or drinks

  • The children’s room tablet kiosk will remain closed

We ask the help of all patrons that all visitors to the library continue to wear a mask and social distance until further notice. We are happy that we are able to add this access to our facility for our patrons. However, we also want to continue to provide a safe environment for all visitors, including those who may be too young to be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The library will continue to monitor conditions and will make further decisions on status in the near future.

November 2nd Update

Starting on November 9th, the library is restoring additional hours to our operating hours. First, we are going to remain open until 9pm, Monday through Thursday, starting on Monday, November 9th. We have been closing at 8pm on weeknights since July, but we are now able to restore that additional hour in the evenings. We are also restoring Sunday hours (12pm-4pm) for every Sunday, which will begin on Sunday, November 15th. Both of these changes have come after time spent with different scenarios of reopening since the mid summer and also in the fall. We are happy to be able to bring these hours back into the fold for the remainder of 2020. All of our current, pandemic related safety precautions will still be in place for these, and all other library operating hours - masks required for entry, 60 minute time limit inside the building, limited access to public computers/printing/copying/scanning station, social distancing inside the building, frequent hand washing and/or hand sanitizing, no indoor events, and no indoor seating or meetings until further notice. The state and country are currently experiencing an spike in cases and spread, which we are monitoring closely. Hopefully, we can continue with these additional hours and our current level of reopening and not have to implement more restrictions. We will continue to monitor and update the community on this page of our website, our social media and our email communication list.

September 21st Update

The library is set to restore partial Saturday hours, starting on Saturday, September 26th. Moving forward, the library will be open every Saturday from 10am to 2pm. The same safety procedures and rules apply for entrance and use of the library. These additional hours should provide additional access to materials, item pickup and access to limited in-person services like public computers, scanning, copying and printing. In addition, the library was able to upgrade our HVAC system with higher level filters. We now have MERV-13 filters installed in our HVAC system, which provides a higher level of air filtration than was previously possible. These are the same level of filters that generally get installed in places like doctor’s offices and hospitals. We also have fresh air filtering into the system all the time to move in fresh air into the building. This should add another level of cleaning and safety for building use and access.

Phase 3 of the Library’s Reopening: Starting Monday, July 20th

I am happy to announce that the next phase of the library’s reopening will begin on Monday, July 20th with expanded services and limited indoor services. We have worked throughout the last few weeks to prepare the building, our procedures and other safety protocols in order to expand services, while also maximizing safety for patrons and staff. Below I have described the new services that will be available, new rules for patrons entering the library, and safety procedures and steps that are being taken. '

Leading up to July 20th, the library staff will be hard at work making the final preparations for the building, procedures, and services to prepare for Phase Three of our reopening. We will be creating signs and posters to help provide guidance and instruction on our new procedures and policies for patrons. We will also be adding more information to the FAQ on this page and update the community on anything else that may come up. We ask for your patience and understanding as we move forward and launch this next stage of reopening. We appreciate all of the patience and support that has been shown to the library and staff throughout this time already! We can’t wait to see everyone in person once more and expand our services :)

For any questions, you can contact Library Director Matt Latham at latham@ramsey.bccls.org or 201-327-1445.

Phase Three Library Hours

The library hours during Phase Three will be as follows (starting July 2oth):

Monday - 10am-8pm
Tuesday - 10am-8pm
Wednesday - 10am-8pm
Thursday - 10am-8pm
Friday - 10am-5pm
Saturday/Sunday - CLOSED

*Note - we may add weekend hours in the near future, pending the initial results of Phase Three. We will make announcements if and when that happens.

Services that Are Being Restored

  1. Indoor Access for Browsing the Collection

  2. Checkout of Items and Holds Pickup at the Circulation Desk

  3. Limited Access to public computers

  4. Limited Access to Scanning Station

  5. Limited Access to Printing Station and Copier

  6. Public Restroom Access

Continuing Services and Procedures

  1. Item Quarantine - All items that are being returned to the library are still being quarantined for 72 hours

    1. Note - during this time period, items returned will still appear on your library account. When they have exited quarantine, they will be checked in and marked as returned on the day you returned them. Thus, no fines from other libraries will be incurred.

  2. Curbside Pickup Option Will Continue - for patrons that wish to use our curbside pickup service, we will continue to have this as an option. If you wish to use our curbside pickup service, you will need to CALL or EMAIL the library to arrange a pickup time. All holds placed in the catalog starting on the 20th will be processed as they were pre-pandemic - you will receive an automatic notice (email or text) that your item is available to pickup. You can then pickup your items inside at the Circulation Desk.

Phase Three Rules for Patrons

  1. Face Coverings Required

    1. Face coverings that completely cover the mouth and nose are required while in the Library. Masks, bandanas or scarves are acceptable. If you are unable or unwilling to wear a mask or appropriate face covering, the library can provide access to materials via curbside pickup. If you do not have a mask, the library have disposable masks available at the front door.

  2. Social Distancing Required

    1. Patrons must maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet from other patrons and staff at all times.  We have placed floor markings near all service desks as a reminder.

  3. 25% Library Capacity - 30 People Max

    1. In order to comply with Executive Order 157, the library will be limiting indoor access to 25% normal capacity - no more than 30 people inside the library at any given time. There may be times when patrons will be asked to wait outside until such time that more patrons may be allowed into the library. During this time, patrons should respect staff instructions and maintain six feet distancing while waiting to enter the library. 

  4. 60 Minute Maximum Time Inside the Library

    1. No individual may remain inside the Library building for more than one hour.  Staff will ask you to leave if we notice you staying longer than an hour.

  5. Indoor access to the library will be available for the following activities:

    1. Holds pickup, Item Checkout, Reference Assistance from Staff

      1. Staff can only provide reference/assistance from the Circulation Desk. Staff cannot handle devices brought in by patrons. Staff cannot accompany patrons to computers to provide assistance there as six foot distancing is not possible. 

    2. Limited access to public computers, printing and scanning services 

      1. All access is limited to 60 minutes maximum per day 

      2. Please help by sanitizing the keyboard, mouse and surfaces near the station before and after use. Sanitizing wipes, gloves and other materials will be provided. 

      3. All computer stations will be sanitized by staff several times each day 

      4. Six foot distancing will be enforced when using public computers

    3. Browsing the Collection

      1. When browsing the collection, if you take any items off of the shelves, but are NOT checking them out, patron’s should place those items on book carts located around the library. Those items will be quarantined and/or sanitized before circulating again. 

    4. Scanner Access and Us

      1. The scanning station will be available to use and will have covers on the keyboard and monitor. 

      2. Please help by sanitizing the keyboard, mouse, scanner and surfaces near the station before and after use. Sanitizing wipes, gloves and other materials will be provided. 

      3. Staff will sanitize the station several times during the day. 

    5. Printer Access and Use 

      1. Patrons may use the library’s printing station to print from library public computers or to print remotely. 

      2. Please help by sanitizing the touchscreen and surfaces near the station before and after use. Sanitizing wipes, gloves and other materials will be provided. 

      3. Staff will sanitize the station several times during the day. 

      4. In order to reduce interactions, the library will NOT provide change for bills for use of the printing station. Patrons will be required to bring in their own change and bills to use at the station. The station accepts all of the the following and will give coin change: nickels, dimes, quarters and dollar bills.

    6. Tech Lending and WiFi Hotspots

      1. All materials from our WiFi Hotspot program and Tech Lending program will be available for pickup. Requests can be made in person, staff will retrieve the kit requested, and they will be checked out for the patron. Kits and hotspots should be returned to the same bins at the back door vestibule and entered into quarantine for 72 hours.

  6. Children access to the library:

    1. No one under age 14 may enter the Library without a parent, guardian or other responsible adult who will supervise their behavior while in the Library and make sure masks are being used at all times. 

    2. All children over the age of two are required to wear masks when entering the library. 

    3. Children under the age of two are discouraged from entering the library as they are unable to wear masks. Staff can bring any items that are needed directly to you outside the library building if you need to bring young children. Our Curbside Pickup service will continue during this time and can be used for pickup of children’s materials or any other item in our collection.

  7. Item Returns

    1. Patrons are still encouraged to return items to the back door vestibule of the library by placing items into designated bins located there. Items will be moved directly into quarantine from there for 72 hours.

    2. Alternatively, carts with bins will be located near the door leading to the back entrance to the building. Patrons can place their returned items in these bins as well. Items placed here will also be moved into quarantine for 72 hours. 

  8. NO Indoor Seating or Tables

    1. Indoor seating will not be available during this phase. Outdoor seating on benches and tables on library grounds is permitted at the user’s own risk. Outdoor seating is NOT monitored by library staff or sanitized. 

    2. Outside furniture may not be brought into the Library

  9. Enter Through the Front Door ONLY

    1. Patrons should use the front doors of the library to enter the building. The back entrance to the library is still being used for item returns and item quarantine. It is only available as an emergency exit, not an entrance. 

Other Procedures for Patrons

Please Use Hand Sanitizer and/or Wash Hands Frequently

  • Please help the library and your fellow patrons by utilizing the hand sanitizer stations we have throughout the library and/or washing your hands frequently. Please use sanitizer when entering the building and when you are browsing collections.

Fines From Other Libraries 

  • The Ramsey Free Public Library no longer charges overdue fines for items. However, some libraries do still have fines in place for items from their collections. To pay those fines, we strongly encourage patrons to pay online using an online payment system that is available through your online account in the online catalog. We will NOT accept and cash or check payments.

Safety Precautions and Procedures

The library is employing a number of safety procedures and modifications in order to maximize safety:

  1. Touchless hand sanitizer stations have been installed throughout the library and at every entrance.

  2. Sanitizing stations (hand sanitizer, gloves, and sanitizing wipes) have been placed at the Computer Stations, Scanning Station and Printing Station for both patrons and staff to utilize to sanitize surfaces at each station.

  3. Disposable masks will be available at the front entrance for those who do not have a mask.

  4. Sneeze guards have been installed at the Circulation Desk.

  5. The library’s HVAC filters are being upgraded.

  6. Touchless soap dispensers are being installed in all bathrooms to pair with other touchless elements already in place - hand dryers, sinks and flushing mechanisms.

  7. Six foot distances have been marked off near the Circulation Desk and in waiting areas.

  8. Contactless curbside pickup services will still be available.

  9. All items are still being quarantined for 72 hours after return.

  10. Items take off shelves during browsing will be sanitized and/or quarantined by staff.

  11. Staff will be wearing masks, washing hands/sanitizing frequently, and sanitizing surfaces throughout the day.

  12. Every evening, a cleaning company is shared sanitizing all surfaces inside the building - computers, desks/tables, door handles, doors, etc.

  13. Staff are working in staggered shifts in separated teams to maximize distancing and limit the total amount of staff inside the building at one time.

Services that Are Still Restricted During Phase Three

  1. Seating/studying - no chairs, tables or seating areas will be available during Phase Three

  2. No indoor library events or programs - all events and programs are VIRTUAL until further notice. (See our Events Calendar)

  3. No community meetings inside the library

  4. No access to newspapers or magazines for browsing/reading in the library. Magazines may be checked out and taken home.

  5. No notary services.

  6. No proctoring services.

  7. No art gallery installations.


Message from the Library Director - June 13th

The Ramsey Public Library staff would like to extend a sincere thanks to the entire Ramsey community for your patience and understanding during this period where the library has been closed. Libraries across the state were closed by Executive Order 107 by the Governor in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19. During this time, the library staff has worked from home to provide and arrange a full slate of virtual events, classes, performances and more. Staff also developed our new Youtube Channel and created regular storytime videos, crafts and recommendations for books along with online content like staff recipes, recommendations and more. 

For the summer we will continue to create virtual events and programs along with run our Summer Reading program, which will be fully online. See our Summer Reading webpage for details - www.ramseylibrary.org/summerreading 

On Friday, June 12th the Governor made a surprise announcement that libraries across the state could reopen for curbside pickup service. It is important to note that libraries received no advanced notice of this order. While the Ramsey library had been planning for curbside pick, along with quarantining items, modifying the building for social distancing, and creating a small  team based staff schedule - we were not aware of this time line. We are making every effort to get ready for curbside pickup service, but we ask your patience once more time as we take a few extra days to get ready. The same order that closed libraries mandated that all staff who are not required to be inside the building should stay home, so most staff have not been in the building since mid-March. Note - initially, curbside pickup will be for Ramsey Library Cardholders ONLY.

With that said, we are now moving toward re-opening the physical location in phases, which will emphasize safety while we start up different services in each stage. 

Monday, June 15th -  staff will return to the building in a limited fashion - small teams of staff that do not overlap with each other, utilize PPE, distancing and safety protocols. 

Wednesday, June 17th - patrons can return the items that they have had checked out to the library. Note - there will be NO FINES for any overdue materials from our library or other BCCLS libraries. See below for instructions on returning items. 

Wednesday, June 24th - curbside pickup service will begin

With Curbside Pickup, patrons can request items from our collection and we will retrieve them, bag them and make them ready for pickup and a fully contactless fashion. Initially, we will be running curbside pickup service from 2pm to 6pm, Monday through Friday. As we move forward and refine the system, we will expand those hours for when Curbside Pickup is available. 

Note - patrons will only have access to the items the Ramsey Library owns.  Inter-library loan from other BCCLS libraries will still take time to begin again - we will announce when that is once again available.  

As soon as we have more information, we will post those updates to our website, social media, Constant Contact email list, outdoor sign, etc. 

Library Hours and Schedule 

Monday through Friday 2pm - 6pm 

Library will be open for Curbside Pickup, hold requests, staff will be available to answer calls and provide reference services

Re-Opening Phases:

Phase 1 - virtual programs, building is closed, staff working from home - March through May

Phase 2 - staff re-enters building in modified format (June 15th). Item returns begin (June 17th). Building is closed. Building is being prepared for staff and for curbside pickup.

Phase 3 - Curbside Pickup begins. Building is still closed. Virtual programs continue throughout summer as well as Summer Reading. Possible expanded hours of operation.

Phase 4 - Building reopens on limited basis - no seating, no in-person programs, limited capacity, Circulation Desk open, staff assistance available, shelves open for browsing, masks required for entry, 6 feet social distancing enforced, no in-house events, no outside group meetings. Possible expanded hours of operation.

Phase 5 - Limited seating available, studying/work inside the library by patrons begins again, masks required for entry, 6 feet social distancing enforced, no in-house events, no meetings, limited computer access available. Full hours of operation restored.

Phase 6 - more seating available, small in-house events, small community meetings, masks required, increased computer access

Phase 7 - new normal 

Safety Procedures

The Ramsey Public Library has instituted a variety of safety precautions and procedures in order to keep staff and patrons as safe as possible

  • Staff will work in small teams that do not overlap and with limited shifts

  • Programs and events will be held virtually until further notice

  • Summer Reading will be completely virtual 

  • Staff will wear masks at all times and will regularly use hand sanitizer, wash hands, and clean shared equipment and surfaces between each use

  • The library will have all commonly used surfaces sanitized daily 

  • Social distancing will be the norm inside the library and for both curbside pickup and item drop off

  • Masks are required to be worn by all patrons for curbside pickup and then when we eventually have patrons back inside the building 

Item Quarantine 

All items that are returned to the library will be quarantined for 72 hours before being made available again. Information provided by The Institute of Museum and Library Services and medical studies have shown the Coronavirus can survive on surfaces like cardboard and paper for 24 hours and then 72 hours for plastic. As a result, all libraries in BCCLS will be quarantining items once they are returned before checking them in and making them available for borrowing. Note - this means that items will still show on your library card for 72 hours after you return it. When items are checked in, they will be back dated to the time of check in and so no overdue fines will be accrued. 

Dropping Off Your Items 

item return.jpg
  1. While items can be dropped off at any time, we are asking for patrons to try and return items between the hours of 9am and 1pm, Monday through Friday. This will allow staff to move items into quarantine immediately and manage a large amount of returns that we are anticipating. This will prevent the book drop bin from overflowing. If you are not able to return items during that time, you can still drop off items in the Book Drop bin outside the building anytime.

  2. Between 9am and 1pm (Monday-Friday), patrons can return items to the BACK DOOR of the library, just inside the door. The door will be open and bins placed right inside the door. Simply place your items in those bins.Staff will then move bins once full into our quarantine space.

Note: once items have been dropped off they will first be quarantined. This means the items will still appear on your library account until they are taken out of quarantined and scanned back into the system. All items will be backdated as being returned the actual day you dropped them off. So no overdue fines will be incurred during this time. 


Curbside Pickup - for Ramsey Library cardholders only

Update 6-23-20

We originally began with having an ONLINE FORM as an option for requesting items. After a few days of trial and error, this form is more confusing for patrons and staff than it is worth. As a result, we are ending use of the form. Instead, to request items simply place a hold via our online catalog - just like you’ve done in the past - and a staff member will call you to set a pickup day. You can also simply call or email the library to request items and a staff member will process the request and set a pickup day with you. I apologize for the confusion and I take full responsibility for this one as this was my idea (Director Matt). I appreciate everyone’s patience as we work out kinks.

  1. Use the online catalog to search for items that you want.

    1. Access the Catalog Here

      1. Note - until inter-library loan begins again, ONLY titles available at Ramsey will be available for pickup. You can still place holds on items from other libraries and when delivery begins again, those items will be processed. 

  2. There are two ways to request items for curbside pickup - place a hold request via the online catalog and a staff member will call you to setup a pickup day OR call/email the library and a staff member will help to get your items. 

    1. Access the Catalog Here

      1. Search and find the item(s) you want

      2. For each item, click on PLACE REQUEST

      3. You will just need your library card number and password (if you don’t remember your password, its probably the last four digits of your library card. If that doesn’t work, call the library and a staff member will reset your password) to finish the request.

      4. Once staff receives your request (we process requests several times a day), a staff member will call you to setup a pickup day.

    2. Call or email the library - 201-327-1445 or ramscirc@bccls.org

      1. If calling, please have your library card number ready to provide to the staff member

  3. Library staff will get back to you to let you know they have received the request (if submitting via the Catalog) and confirm the items and pick up time. 

  4. At the designated time, you can pick up your items just inside the front door of the library - between the two sliding doors. Your items will be placed in a stapled shut paper bag with your name written on it. The items will have been quarantined already and will be checked out to you. 

pickup 1.jpg
Pickup 2.jpg

Questions and Answers

  1. What if I placed a hold on something before the lockdown? Will it still be available?

    1. Yes - all holds that were placed before the lockdown were “frozen” by BCCLS - so wherever they left off in the process, they will automatically begin again once the library re-opens for curbside pickup on June 24th.

    2. Note - only items in the Ramsey Library’s collection are currently available, so if the item was coming from another library, there may still be a wait period until inter-library loan and delivery begin again.

  2. Can I get items from other libraries?

    1. At the moment, inter-library loan and delivery is still not available. BCCLS needs to wait until a majority of libraries are up and functioning before inter-library loan is turned back on again. Hopefully, this process will not take very long and as most libraries get back online, they will begin delivery. We will update our website, email list and social media once that happens.

  3. Is there a maximum for how many items I can request via curbside pickup?

    1. We don’t have a set limit at the moment, but we are asking that patrons request no more than 10 items per day to help us to manage high volumes of requests.

  4. What about other services like museum passes, tech lending, and WiFi hotspots?

    1. We hope to begin lending the tech items and hotspots very soon. As soon as we have a system for that we will make announcements.

  5. When will patrons be allowed back into the library?

    1. Unfortunately, we do not have a timetable for this yet. We are going to be moving slowly and safely through each reopening phase.. Currently, libraries are still barred by order of the Governor from having anyone in the library other than staff. We will likely have a next step of allowing patrons in to access the Circulation Desk as well as browse the collection, but without seating, computer access or gathering inside. Those will gradually come back as we proceed through our phased reopening. We will announce each new step as we proceed.

  6. Can outside groups meet int he library?

    1. No - at current, no individuals other than staff can be in the building, which includes community group meetings. All library events and programs (and Summer Reading) are all being done virtually at least through the end of the summer. Meeting room space will become available at a later stage, but we do not have a time frame for this currently.

  7. Can I sit on benches outside the building?

    1. Yes - benches and tables outside the building are free to use. However, it is important to note that the library is NOT managing the benches and outdoor seating for safety purposes. Therefore, using outdoor seating at current is at your own risk. We may look to provide some managing seating soon, but we are still working toward that. ‘

  8. Do I need to wear a mask when picking up or dropping off items?

    1. Yes - all patrons MUST wear a mask when picking up or dropping off items as those spaces are just inside the building.