A Message from the Director – Response to COVID-19
South Brunswick Public Library
Response to COVID-19: Update #2
A Message from the Director
Dear Community Members,
The South Brunswick Public Library is monitoring the latest developments regarding COVID-19.
Our staff is developing responses guided by federal, state and local health agencies, governments and our community partners. In this period of uncertainty and day to day changes we encourage you to visit our website for updates.
Precautions:
At this time we are open for core services but have canceled all group activities and meetings through April 5th. This is in support of efforts to promote social distancing and discourage community spread of the COVID-19 corona virus.
If you are sick, do not come to the library. We recommend that all visitors educate themselves about the risks of the virus and follow all guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization before visiting the library.
While in the library, we recommend people keep at least six feet apart from one another and avoid personal contact. Extended visits are discouraged.
We request that the public refrain from dropping off book donations until further notice.
Library staff members have been instructed to stay home if they are sick.
Services:
Our collections, computer services and staff assistance are available at this time and the Mobile Branch is operating.
As always, digital services are available a number of resources linked below:
Audiobooks
e-Books
Newspapers
Magazines
Streaming Media
We also offer online tutoring through Brainfuse and provide online access to magazine, newspaper and journal articles for reading and research. Follow this link for a complete list of our databases.
These resources will continue to be available during any potential closure.
During operating hours Library professionals can reached via telephone at 732-329-4000 ext. 7280 and through online chat on our website.
Things to Know:
The library building is cleaned each day at closing. This cleaning includes wiping down with disinfectant tabletops, keyboards and “high touch” surfaces such as door knobs.
We have temporarily removed toys, crayon baskets and shared kits from the Children’s Department.
Meeting rooms have been closed and group events canceled through April 5th.
We regret we cannot provide hand sanitizer to the public. Hot water and soap are available in restrooms for frequent hand-washing, which is recommended.
We have a limited supply of disinfecting wipes available at the public desks for sanitizing public computers.
Library materials are generally not cleaned when they are returned to the library or after they are used in the building unless they show visible signs of damage, such as a stain. We do not have sufficient resources to effectively clean the tens of thousands of items returned each month.
Looking Ahead:
The library is open 61 hours per week and more than 350 days a year. Recognizing the central role of the library in the community, it is always our intention to remain open as many hours as we can safely be of service. That said, we are planning for sudden and unexpected closures that are in the best interest of the health of the community.
During any such closure our digital resources will be available. Remote staff assistance may be available depending on the nature of the closure. Details will be announced should any type of closure occur.
We continue to rely on information provided by local health and government authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We recommend that members of the public use the CDC website as their primary source of information for understanding and preventing the COVID-19 virus.
Thank you for your understanding. Please take appropriate precautions to keep yourself and our community healthy and safe.
Best regards and please take care to remain healthy and safe,
Chris Carbone, Director
South Brunswick Public Library
