FAQ, ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS DUE TO COVID

Special Circumstances Due to Covid-19

Why is the library re-opening with restrictions?

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?

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.

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)
Patrons will complete sign-in slip (sign in slips will be kept behind the desk in case the need for contact tracing arises; slips will be destroyed after 30 days)

What is the library's tutoring policy?

What else is different at the library?

Front door of the building is entrance-only, side door is exit-only
Periodicals are not available for patron browsing, but are available upon request. Quarantine protocol for magazines and books is be the same
Toys and train table are in storage until play-and-share is considered safe

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 quarantined for a minimum of 3 days before being checked in (free days will be retroactively applied, so no need to worry about overdue fines accruing during the quarantine period), or 4 days before being transported to Hunterdon County Library Headquarters.
(Expect longer-than-usual wait times for requests, even when computer says a book has been shipped)

Is the library accepting donations?

Books are accepted for donation by appointment only: we are seeking new releases in excellent condition.
DVDs in pristine condition (movies or TV series) are also being accepted by appointment.
If books and DVDs are left on our doorstep and don't meet our requirements, they will be recycled or discarded. This uses up more staff time than you might realize, so please call ahead or email us a list of titles that you are interested in donating. Thanks !

What safety precautions are we asking patrons to uphold?

Patrons must strive to maintain 6 foot distance from those who are not members of the same household
Patrons must sanitize computer/mouse/keyboard after use
Patrons must sanitize bathroom sink and toilet with two separate disinfectant towelettes after use

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.

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?

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 quarantined for 72 hours before they are checked in & 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?

K - 2nd grade - Saturdays 10:15 - 10:45 - Sept 19 - Oct 31
3rd - 5th grade - Saturdays 11 - 11:30 - Sept 19 - Oct 31
Storytime requests for other age group or times of day ? Email us: thehollandlibrary@gmail.com

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.

Email us at thehollandlibrary@gmail.com