Newark Library Stands Tall For City During Coronavirus Pandemic

NEWARK, NJ — Good news, book lovers: the Newark Public Library has officially reopened after temporarily shutting its doors due to the coronavirus. But the return of in-person browsing privileges at the beloved institution is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to helping the Brick City weather the pandemic.

Earlier this month, the library reopened with limited indoor services. For many residents, it meant access to a treasure trove of literature and entertainment. But for others, it marked a return of critical resources such as computer access, or social services such as ESL classes and voter registration assistance.

In fact, the COVID-19 crisis has shone a spotlight on just how needed the library has become over the past years, staff say.

“The Newark Public Library has always served a wide array of needs, from social services, entertainment, education, job help and simply enjoying books,” said its newly appointed director Joslyn Bowing Dixon.

“I, along with my staff, are 100 percent committed to do whatever it takes to welcome back our community in the safest manner possible,” Dixon said.

For now, that means some new rules, Dixon added. Those include:

“Patrons will be asked to place any items touched while browsing in the bins provided, and return all books and other materials to bins provided at the entrance so they will be quarantined for three days. The maximum number of patrons will be posted at the building entrance and individual rooms within each building. An adult must accompany children under the age of 12. Restrooms are limited to one person at a time.”

In addition, library staff are requiring patrons to do the following:

• Limit visit to one hour
• Wear a mask – masks are mandatory to enter and must be worn at all times while in the building
• Stay home if you, or a member of your household, are sick or have symptoms
• Maintain physical distancing
• Plan for a short visit; seating is limited

For now, the main library, located at 5 Washington Street, will be open Mondays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The library’s branches will be open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All locations will be closed periodically throughout the day for cleaning and sanitizing, and will close for 30 minutes after each hour of service.

Computers are available in limited numbers in each branch and at the main library, and wifi is available in the main library courtyard from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A charging station for personal devices will also be available.

“Grab and go” services are still available to pick up and return materials, and library staff also continue to be available via phone or email for any questions.

This includes La Sala Hispanoamericana’s team at the library, which provides outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. Community members can now call the Sala (973-733-7772) for live tele-reference services and talk with a Spanish-speaking librarian who will answer their questions on any topic, provide requested information, and assemble their order of books for grab and go service. Patrons can also contact the Sala via email at salastaff@npl.org.

GOING ONLINE AMID THE CORONAVIRUS

Over the past months, the Newark library and its branches have been reaching out to the community with a wealth of online classes, events and programs.

One of the biggest hits has been a series of virtual American Sign Language (ASL) classes, which have garnered tens of thousands of views. (Learn more here)

Other offerings have included art and music, a series of “bedtime stories,” seminars on local authors such as Philip Roth, children’s programming and workshops on genealogy. (Learn more and see a list of programs here)

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