An Update from the Library Director on Teaneck Public Library’s Response to Coronavirus (July 1, 2020)

Dear Teaneck Public Library patrons and community members,

On Monday, June 22, we entered Phase 3 of our phased reopening plan, including contactless doorside pickup of library materials. You can now place holds on Teaneck Public Library materials online through our BCCLS catalog, and wait to receive your automated email notification. Once you have been notified, simply come to the library, call 201-837-4171 ext 0 to let us know you are outside, and we will checkout your items and bring them outside to the library tent.

Thank you all for your patience and support as we have navigate this new procedure. During the first week of this service, we checked out more than 1,600 items to Teaneck residents. While our faces may be covered by masks, it was a pleasure to see you all again!

We also officially opened our book drops to accept the return of library materials on June 22. The CDC and Northeast Document Conservation Center have recommended a quarantine as the most effective way to disinfect library materials, and do not recommend the use of liquid disinfectants, powdered cleaners, UV ray exposure, microwave, or fogging disinfectants as a means to disinfect library materials. Please do not attempt to disinfect books in this manner, as this could be dangerous for the user and damage to the library materials may be your responsibility.

To ensure the safety of staff and residents, we are quarantining returned materials for 72 hours before discharging from member accounts and allowing the materials to be used again. We have received a tremendous amount of materials in a very short period of time, so please be patient as we ensure these materials are safely processed. Please allow 7 days for items to be removed from your account after placing them in the book return.

I’m pleased to announce that Summer Reading is here! Young readers of all ages need to practice reading every day to prevent loss of literacy skills while school is out. Our virtual Summer Reading program provides many opportunities for youth and their families to engage in reading, writing, and critical thinking activities all while having fun and playing games.

To kick off our Summer Reading program, we are challenging families and youth to join us in reading 20 minutes a day. To get started, simply visit teanecklibrary.beanstack.org or download the free Beanstack mobile app, and create an account or login to register for summer reading. You can log your reading and activities to earn badges and raffle tickets for a chance to win a gift card to a local business.

Finally, as you may know, Governor Murphy announced that libraries throughout New Jersey may start to open at 25% capacity beginning July 2 and published guidelines in Executive Order 157 this past weekend. As a vital public institution that welcomes more than 250,000 annual visitors, there are many details that must be considered for a safe phased reopening of the library building. While we will not be ready to reopen the library building to the public on July 2, I assure you that we are currently working to implement the requirements of EO 157 and recommendations from county and local authorities so that we can begin moving into the next stage of our Phased Reopening Plan in the near future.

In the meantime, please continue to utilize our contactless doorside pickup of library materials, borrow eBooks and other digital content, view online classes, and join us for virtual programs and events. During our phased reopening we encourage you to contact us by live chat through our website, by phone at 201-837-4171; text at 201-817-9780; or email to Patron Services at [email protected], Reference Department at [email protected], or Youth Services at [email protected].

I appreciate your ongoing patience and support as we continue to plan and execute a phased reopening of the library that prioritizes the health and safety of the entire community. Have a safe and happy 4th of July weekend!

Sincerely,

Allen McGinley
Library Director

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