Nutley Library Reopens; Expect Face Masks, Social Distancing

NUTLEY, NJ — Visitors to the Nutley Public Library should expect to see face masks, hand sanitizing and social distancing when the building reopens on Tuesday, staff say.

After temporarily closing its doors due to the coronavirus, the library will reopen at reduced capacity to offer limited services for local patrons (see hours below). The primary purpose of the re-opening of the building is to allow for browsing and borrowing.

“The well-being of the public and staff is our first priority,” the library stated in a news release.

For now, the new normal will include:

• The library’s main entrance, contact-free pick up service located outside will continue to be the primary way that patrons gain access to physical library materials. Requests can continue to be made by phone at 973-667-0405, ext. 2604, by email at library@nutleynj.org, or through the BCCLS online catalog at bccls.org.
• Library programming will continue to be offered remotely/virtually
• Upon entering the library, all patrons ages three and over are required to wear a proper face covering (mask, scarf, or bandana) over their mouth and nose at all times. Hands and/or shirts are not considered proper face coverings.
• Upon entering the library, patrons are requested to sanitize their hands. Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the building.
• All patrons 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver over the age of 18
• Maintain 6 feet of social distancing from staff and patrons
• The number of patrons allowed in the building at one time are 10 and limited to 30 minutes/day. If you need to wait outside, form a line along the railing and remember to keep your distance from others when on the line.
• All materials must be returned to the outside book drop, which is open 24/7. No returns will be accepted inside the building.
• All returned library materials will be quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours. Quarantine and cleaning returned materials will impact hold times. As a result, patron borrowing is limited to 10 checked-out materials per visit.

The following services remain unavailable as of Tuesday, library staff said:

• Public computers, printing services, scanners, microfilms, electronic tablets and copy machines
• Historical records, multi-use print publications, newspapers, toys, puzzles, puppets and board games
• Meeting rooms, Story Time Room, vending machines and water fountain
• Seating is not available throughout the building
• Notary service

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