South Brunswick Library Reopened This Week: What To Expect

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — The South Brunswick Public Library reopened its doors to the public this week on Tuesday, Aug. 11 after being closed for nearly five months due to COVID-19.

Visitors will find some changes to their pre-pandemic library experience, but much has stayed the same. Things may look a little different, but it is still the same great library you’ve known for more than 50 years!

The reopening does have some restrictions: Masks over the nose and mouth are required, as well as social distancing. Visits are limited to 15 minutes; no more than 30 visitors will be allowed in the building at one time. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

With the addition of Browse-and-Go, visitors can at long last step inside the library building to make their own selections. This is now one of four library services currently offered to help library users get what they need during the pandemic: Browse-and-Go, Curbside-to-Go, Curbside@Woodlot Park, and Computer by Appointment.

However, the same eager happy faces are still waiting to greet you, though masked.

Hours are limited to three days a week. The building will be open on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 4 to 7 p.m.; and on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

All borrowed items must continue to be deposited into the drop box outside of the main entrance so that items may be quarantined (four days) for staff safety.

Services are limited for safety’s sake. Public computers may be used by appointment only. There is no access for now to: meeting rooms, library seating, fax/scanning, or printers/copies.

Another safety precaution for the public and staff is the installation of plexiglas partitions at each of the public service desks.

Even the library's HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) has changed for the better with upgraded filtration to MERV 13 air filters.

Book display tables have been set up in the main lobby to enhance social distant browsing, though visitors are welcome to cruise the book, movie and music aisles. All areas are open for browsing, except for the magazines/newspapers, and the Children’s Department books for the youngest readers and Children’s non-fiction. Staff will be on hand to retrieve or suggest items from that department for you. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult while in the Library.

Please note that SBPL’s Curbside Service, which includes magazines, Personal Picks and Computer by Appointment, continues. Virtual programming also continues by registration, as well as video uploads to the SBPL YouTube Channel with links on our social media.

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