ENTRY REQUIREMENTS DUE TO COVID

Special Circumstances Due to Covid-19

Why does the library require me to wear a mask and sanitize my hands as I enter the library?
Why am I expected to sanitize my hands and wear gloves when browsing the shelves ?
Why is from-the-other-side-of-the-plexiglass-barrier the preferred place for you to converse with library staff ?

• We want to give our patrons access to the greatest possible proportion of library services. The parameters for reopening are in compliance with New Jersey’s Executive Order No. 122 (04/08/2020) and include further protocols developed in collaboration with the Holland Township Board of Health and the Library’s Board of Trustees to provide for local safety. Our staff, like many of our patrons, are “at-risk.”

When is the library open to the public?

• 10am - 1pm on Saturday
• 9am - 12pm  // 3pm - 7pm on Monday - Friday

How many people can be in the library at a given time?

• No more than 6 patrons, plus library staff members, will be permitted in the library at any time.
• Library usage is limited to 1 hour per patron per day, thank you for helping us keep the library lightly populated. Keep coming back !

What are the requirements for entering the library?

• All Patrons will put on masks before entry to building (masks are available for those who do not have them) 
• Patrons under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult
• Patrons will sanitize hands as they enter.
• We ask that you also wear gloves if browsing for books or using computer (gloves are provided). If gloves are cumbersome on the keyboard or screen, you can remove them, but you must wash your hands and then sanitize all surfaces you touched. 
• Patrons will give their name and phone number to the circulation desk as you enter, for contact tracing purposes. Records will not be retained for longer than 30 days.

What is the library's tutoring policy?

• Tutors are required to make reservations in advance
• Only tutor at a time will be scheduled
• Tutors can schedule a reservation of up to 2 hours

What else is different at the library?

• Front door of the building is entrance-only, side door is exit-only.
• Quarantine protocol for magazines and books is the same: after an item is touched or returned it sits for 3-5 days before the next person touches it.
• Toys and train table are in storage until play-and-share is considered safe.
• There are some books available for purchase in our storage closet and on our spinner rack.

How is the library ensuring materials do not become vectors for the virus?

• Patrons will sanitize hands and wear gloves while browsing
• Returns are being accepted ONLY in the book drop and DVD slot 
• Library returns are now checked-in within 24 hours of being returned. They are quarantined for a minimum of 3 days before being shelved, and 4 days before being transported to Hunterdon County Library Headquarters if they came from other libraries.

Is the library accepting donations?

• At this time we are organizing an online auction of goods and services for the holiday season.
• Our next annual book donation drive will run September 1-30, 2021. The book sales will be held every Saturday in October from 10:30am - 12:30pm.
• We are NOT accepting book donations at this time. Hold onto your stuff a little longer ! Or pass it on :)

What safety precautions are we asking patrons to uphold?

• Unless it's someone who is part of your family or bubble, please keep 6 feet of distance between yourself and others.
• Masks are an essential tool in slowing the spread. Please wear yours in any indoor environment when you are interacting with people who don't live with you. 
• Sanitize or wash hands whenever you can.
• Use disinfectant towelettes to clean computer/mouse/keyboard or any other surface after you touch it.
• When it was proposed that we keep our bathroom closed to the public, this felt wrong. People need public bathrooms. So, we went out and bought a brand new toilet seat with a lid. We went on a vision quest to locate sanitizing wipes. And we were trained by our local health department to practice a hygienic cleaning routine to accompany every visit to the rest room:
• Close the toilet lid when flushing. Use sanitizing wipes to clean the lid, seat and handle of the toilet. Wash hands, disinfect the sink. Rinse hands, and dry with a paper towel. Use a paper towel to open the door handle and drop in the trash on the way out. (As staff, we do this. So the toilet is more frequently cleaned than ever before, as you might imagine ! ) 

What if I don’t want to come inside or I don’t want to mask up?

• Curbside pickup is still available Mon-Sat for items requested by phone or computer
• Without a mask, patrons cannot enter or remain in the library building for any reason. Special arrangements can be made to help library patrons meet their needs while they remain outside the building. 

CONTACTLESS, curbside pick-up

How do I place a hold on a book?

• You can place holds using your online Hunterdon County Library account.
• Requests for materials may be placed at hclibrary.us with a library card number and PIN.
• If you forgot your PIN, give us a call.
• Patrons can also place a request with Holland Library by calling 908-995-4767 during our regular hours of operation.

 
Are there limits on materials I can request?

• All circulating materials are eligible. 
• Limit to 10 items per card, per day. 

How do I get my materials?
 

• After you place a hold online,  you can expect an automated notification when it is ready.

• If you prefer not to enter the building, call us and we will check out your materials and bring them to the cart outside.

How long will it take to get my materials?

• Patrons who place a request for materials housed in Holland Library's own collection may be able to pick up their items within 24 hours.
• Deliveries of materials from other locations in the Hunterdon County Library system usually arrive at Holland on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Keep in mind that wait times are still a bit longer than usual, given the need to quarantine.

 
 Is the library building open?

• Our library building now open to the public during our regular hours, 6 days a week.
• Our outdoor area is open to the public as well.
• The governor has recently announced that libraries are legally allowed to open at 25% capacity. We have developed practices to do so safely, please see above.

 
How are materials being handled and disinfected during this time?

• No disinfectant will be used on library materials, rather: time will neutralize virus.
• Please avoid damaging books & DVDs; do NOT use disinfectants of any kind on library materials.
• All materials returned to the library will be checked in, and quarantined for 72 hours before they are shelved. Materials sent in bins back to HCL HQ will be quarantined when they arrive there.
• Library staff will wear gloves when handling materials, so the books are safe for you to handle when you make your pick-up.
• If you want to be a superhero of caution, you can quarantine books at home before reading, or wash hands and avoid touching eyes, nose & mouth.

When is Storytime?

• Our Summer & Fall 2020 Storytime series has come to an end, and Storytime is now hibernating, but it will be back.
• Storytime requests ? What are the ages of your children and when is the best time for your ? Email us: thehollandlibrary@gmail.com

Are there volunteer opportunities at Holland Free Public Library ?

• Yes, there are several ways to get involved. 
• Speak with Matheson on Mondays and Fridays or email thehollandlibrary@gmail.com to learn more.

What is the Teen Advisory Board, and how do I join?

• Teen Advisory Board members serve as leaders, and expand opportunities for teens to give back to the community.
• They collaborate as a group to identify goals and launch projects that are fun, meaningful, or both.
• Their unique perspective is invaluable to our library's efforts to create programming for youth & young adults.
• This group of teens is committed to building their powers of expression, empathy, and informed decision-making.

still have questions ?

Email us at thehollandlibrary@gmail.com