The Bergenfield Public Library will reopen next week for residents to browse and borrow materials with strict social distancing measures put in place. Beginning July 13, the BPL will operate at a 25% capacity Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the first hour of each day designated for vulnerable and at risk residents. No more than 50 patrons will be permitted in the building at a time and the Children’s Room capacity may not exceed 15 individuals.
At this time, patrons will be asked to limit their visit to the Library to one hour. In person services that will be offered include: borrowing material that is already available at the BPL, library card registration, summer reading club registration, book sale, wireless printing from your own device, photocopy use and reference assistance. While computers and other direct contact services will not be available at this time, library staff will be on hand to assist residents with any research needs. Additionally, curbside pickup services will remain in place Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“The Bergenfield Public Library prides itself on serving the community and providing residents with countless resources and educational opportunities,” said Allison Moonitz, Director of the Bergenfield Public Library. “The past several months have been challenging for all of us, but we’ve remained committed to these very principles by offering online and distant services. We’re excited to once again open our doors to patrons in the coming days where we will continue to provide them with a safe and clean environment to research and unwind from daily stressors.”
Crews will be sanitizing the building throughout the day and the facility will undergo an aggressive cleaning each day after closing. Books returned to the library will also be thoroughly sanitized and will not be placed back into circulation for at least 72 hours. The BPL will continue to monitor information from the state to determine when additional services can be offered. More information can be found online by visiting bergenfieldlibrary.org/reopening-plans/
“The Bergenfield Public Library serves as a lifeline to connect residents with essential resources and educational opportunities,” said Councilman Thomas Lodato, Council Liaison and BPL Trustee. “As we begin to expand our services, we ask residents to continue practicing good social distancing habits when visiting the Library.”