Bernardsville Library will reopen the library building on Monday, July 20 with limited 25% capacity. To promote the health and safety of our patrons and staff, we’re opening with some changes in our building and to our services.
The library layout has changed to encourage social distancing. That means fewer tables, chairs, and computers. You’ll also notice new Plexiglas fixtures installed at our circulation and children’s desks, and a new desk in the vestibule which will facilitate our new Grab and Go! service.
Patrons are expected to abide by all library, local and state rules governing health and safety. This includes maintaining six (6) feet of social distance, honoring the demarcations on the floors, and the proper use of face masks (which should cover the nose and mouth) for everyone over two years old. Rules governing the use of the library will be visibly posted and are subject to change at any time due to the rapidly changing regulatory environment and facts on the ground.
Hand sanitizer and will be available around the library to clean hands, and wipes are available at the Circulation desk to clean surfaces. If you are sick or have a fever, please postpone your visit the library until you are well.
Opening Date and Hours
The building will initially be open to the public as follows:
Monday, 10 am – 5 pm
Tuesday, 10 am – 7 pm
Thursday, 10 am – 2 pm
Friday, 10 am – 5 pm
We will also answer telephones from 10 am – 5 pm on Wednesdays and from 2 pm – 5 pm on Thursdays.
Services
While a few chairs and tables remain, due to our limited capacity we are encouraging patrons to select material from the stacks and check their items out as expeditiously as possible. In order to maintain proper social distancing, we will initially reduce our patron computers to four. Chromebooks will also be available for use inside the building.
Some high touch services, like photocopying and scanning, will not be available for self-service to patrons when we first reopen. Staff will be available to help with these services when necessary.
Our popular curbside service will turn into Grab and Go! when we open. We will have a desk in the vestibule for a staff member who will also monitor building capacity, mask wearing, and hand out bathroom keys. Patrons will Grab and Go! by placing holds using our catalog (usually a 24-hour turnaround) or by calling (48-hour+ turnaround). When your items are ready, you’ll get a call and an email. With Grab and Go! you can pick up your items any time the building is open. Call 908-720-8722 from your car and pick up your materials in the library vestibule.
Book Returns
Books are still being quarantined for three days after they are returned. Please return all books and other library materials to the book drop.
Fines, Fees and Due Dates
Our regular loan periods and due dates are in effect. You can find information about our loan periods by clicking here. Fines will be charged for anything overdue and returned after August 15 regardless of when it was borrowed. If you have anything out that was due before we closed in March, bring it back before August 15 to avoid paying late fees.
We’re looking forward to welcoming you back. See you Monday!
Alexandria Arnold, Executive Director