Curbside Pickup Will Begin Wednesday June 17th

The Library will begin a phased reopening to the public beginning with Curbside Pick-up on Wednesday, June 17th. 
Statement on Library Preparations related to COVID-19 (coronavirus)

In an effort to protect the high-risk populations that we serve, as well as minimize the potential exposure/transmission of COVID-19, The Morristown & Morris Township Library is taking precautions with its reopening to the public and is putting in place a phased reopening to ensure public safety.  This plan is based upon recommendations from the Center for Disease Control, the County of Morris, local health departments, the State of New Jersey, the New Jersey State Library and Library Link NJ in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the community.  We will reassess the situation regularly to ease restrictions and expand services, but it may also be necessary to reinstate restrictions, limit some services or even close the Library facility to ensure public health.  For any information on changes in Library services and hours, please follow updates on the Library’s website at: www.MMTLibrary.org. 

The Library takes the safety of its patrons and staff seriously, all patrons (especially those in high-risk categories) wishing to use the Library should exercise caution.  The Governor has asked for people to wear facial protection when in public, social distancing of at least six feet from other individuals and frequent hand washing to ensure the virus is not spread.

The Library will begin a phased reopening to the public beginning with curbside pick-up and moving into the opening of the Library building at a later date. Curbside Pick-up will follow the following schedule and procedures:

 

Curbside Pick-up begins Wednesday, June 17

Patrons will be able to pick up library materials by contacting the Library by phone in advance, by placing holds through the online Main catalog [https://catalog.mainlib.org] or you can use our online form, which you can find here.  After placing holds, the Library staff will contact the patron to set up a pick-up time and verify any other additional information. Please wait to come to the Library until you have been notified your holds are ready.  Patrons should call (973) 538-6161 when they arrive, provide 1.) name, 2.) vehicle make and color and 3.) parking spot number and items will be brought and placed into the vehicle’s trunk. Please pop your trunk before Library staff arrive to ensure safe social distancing practices. Parking spaces for curbside pickup will be designated near the rear parking lot entrance of the Library.  Patrons who are not driving to the Library should also call upon arrival and their materials will be brought to a table in the parking lot for their retrieval.

The Library book drops will be open and should be used for the safe return of Library materials.  No Library materials should be returned to the inside of the building.

Please note that the State has stopped statewide delivery of library materials.  Until that resumes, MMT Library patrons will only be able to check out MMT Library materials at our location.     

The hours of curbside delivery at the Library will be between the following hours:

Monday-Thursday, 11:15 a.m.-6:45 p.m.
Friday, 9:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Saturday, 10:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
Closed Sundays

 

All library materials that are currently checked out by patrons received auto-renewals and will be charged no fines through July 31.   Patron cards that were set to expire during the Library closure were also extended through July 31.  However, due to the cessation of statewide delivery and possible high patron demand, the Library staff reserve the right to limit the number of items checked out at one time.

All incoming library collection materials will be quarantined for 72 hours and where applicable, cleaned/disinfected before being allowed to be checked out by other patrons.  This is to ensure patron and staff safety, but it will result in a delay in those items being checked out by the next patron.  During this period, items will remain on a patron’s card, but again, no fine will accrue on the patron’s card for these three days. 

The Library’s mission is to remain a resource for our residents.  These safety measures are being taken out of an abundance of caution and to be consistent with recommendations for social distancing. We appreciate our patrons’ patience and understanding. If you have any further questions, please email the Library at info@jfpl.org or call (973) 538-6161. 

Please note that patrons can also access the Library from Home

The Library’s digital services give resident card holders 24/7 free access to many resources:

• eBooks and electronic audiobooks purchased by the entire MAIN consortium through the Library’s CloudLibrary
• Magazines, comic books and eBooks from the RB Digital
• Streaming video movies and documentaries through the Kanopy
• Children’s eBooks, games, Facts on File database and streaming video for kids via the Children’s Resource page on the Library website.
• Research databases available through the Library website.
• Story times, craft ideas, instructional videos and book/film talks available through the Library’s YouTube channel.
• For patrons who do not currently have a library card, Morristown and Morris Township residents can apply online for a card directly through the Library website.
• The Library also provides virtual programming from yoga and book clubs to meditation classes to film clubs! Check the Library’s website events page for more information.