For Immediate Release
June 25, 2020
Middletown Township, NJ—The Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) will open to the public with limited hours on Monday, July 6, following Governor Murphy’s announcement that libraries may reopen. The MTPL will be open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Curbside pickup will still continue Monday-Friday from 11:00 AM -3:00 PM and on Wednesdays from 11:00 AM-8:00 PM.
Patrons are required to wear a face covering in the library and for curbside delivery. The library will limit the capacity of patrons entering the building. Patrons will be asked to wait to enter the building and in separate areas of the library once inside if the capacity is met. Social distancing will be enforced throughout the building.
Patrons are asked to limit their time in the building. Services will be limited to borrowing/returning books and there will be one-hour maximum computer use per patron daily. If patrons need assistance with longer research projects, they will need to make an appointment with a librarian. Daily newspapers, study rooms, the Tutoring Center, computer labs, children’s computers, play items, the patio area, and onsite programs are not available at this time.
New for this year is the MTPL’s virtual Summer Reading program. The “Imagine your Story” themed program kicked off June 22nd and you may sign up online at https://www.mtpl.org/kidszone/. While the library was closed, staff members were busy getting ready for summer reading for adults and teens as well. The new books and the required summer reading books are ready and waiting for you at the library.
“We are excited to welcome back our patrons and have thoroughly prepared the building with our staff and patrons safety and comfort in mind,” said Heather Andolsen, Library Director. “The building will be continuously cleaned throughout the day following CDC guidelines.”
Patrons will not be able to use self-checkout during this reopening transition phase and are asked to bring their library card with them to quicken the checkout process. Due dates for many materials are regularly for two weeks, but will be extended for three weeks for July and August.
“On behalf of the library, I want to extend our appreciation for the kind words of support we received while we were closed,” said Ms. Andolsen. “Many patrons told us ‘they missed the staff and the books’ and that warmed our hearts.”
The library continues to offer and adjust its services as necessary to give patrons the best customer service. Please check www.mtpl.org or social media for the most up-to-date information regarding MTPL services and opening status.
For additional information and updates, visit mtpl.org. You can also connect with the MTPL on social media: Facebook @MiddletownPl (or search for Middletown Township Public Library), @MiddletownPL on Twitter, and MiddletownLibraryNJ on Instagram.