Hillsborough Library Extends Hours After Dispute With Township

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — The Hillsborough branch of the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey is extended its hours following a dispute with the township over contact tracing when it comes to COVID-19 safety measures.

The extended hours will take effect on Monday at the library at 379 S Branch Road.

"This has been a difficult year for us all," said Karen Pifher, manager of branch services, young minds and family resources. "Through this pandemic, we have learned that community, cooperation, and the arts help us thrive even through tough times. I am so pleased and excited that our Library branch will be extending hours beginning in early April, so that our vast literary collections can be more available to our Hillsborough residents and to the entire Somerset County community."

Library hours will be as follows:

• Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Sunday: 1-5 p.m.

The dispute between the township and the library began in the late summer/early fall when the township began requiring anyone that entered the Peter J. Biondi municipal building to sign in for COVID-19 contact tracing. Read More: Hillsborough Township, Library At Odds Over Contact Tracing

However, the SCLSNJ's legal counsel advised against collecting patron information due to confidentiality concerns, resulting in SCLSNJ making the decision not to provide coverage for the sign-in desk beyond the operating hours of municipal offices, therefore limiting their hours of operation to coincide with those hours of the building.

For questions contact kpifher@sclibnj.org or 908-458-8421.

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