Reopening

The Main Library has reopened for limited in-person services.

The following services are available:

Holds and pickup: MPL cardholders can request up to 20 items via the BCCLS catalog or by calling 973-744-0500 ext. 2245. Once they are notified that items are ready, customers can pick up in one of two ways:
- Drop in during open hours and use the self-checkout machines. No appointment is needed, but entry is subject to building capacity.
- Curbside pickup appointments are still available for those who do not want to enter the building. The items will already be checked out for you. The scheduling calendar does not permit same-day appointments—please call.
Browsing on the first floor: A limited number of people are allowed at any given time (see open hours). Browsing is limited to 30 minutes. Use of self-checkout machines is encouraged. The second and third floors remain closed to the public until additional safety measures are in place. Upon request, materials from these floors may be retrieved by staff.

Please note the following:

A limited number of people are allowed in the building at any given time; for those dropping in to pick up holds or to browse, be prepared to wait on the Plaza if the building is at capacity
Customers may use the restroom and fill their water bottles while in the building, but drinking from the fountain is unavailable at this time
One-way foot traffic: enter through the front doors, exit through the side (cafe) doors
Face coverings and social distancing required
Hand sanitizer stations available throughout the Library
It is not possible for us to provide seating at this time
Eating and drinking are not allowed in the Library at this time
Returns accepted 24/7 at the Main Library and Bellevue Avenue Branch using outside slots
Bellevue Avenue Branch remains closed to the public

Our Phased Reopening Plan

The protocols above are part of the Library’s phased reopening plan. Details may change depending on the restrictions and timelines put in place by the Governor and Department of Health. Click the blue buttons below to expand the details of past and current phases.

Prior to Phase 1

The Library closed its buildings to the public in March 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and in accordance with New Jersey Executive Order No. 107. Digital services remained available and have expanded since March. Programs and classes moved online.

Phase 1: Returns

In effect: June 16-21, 2020

Return of materials accepted outside the Main Library
Both buildings remain closed to the public

Phase 2: Curbside Pickup

In effect: June 22 – October 17, 2020

MPL cardholders can request items via the BCCLS catalog or by calling 973-744-0500 ext. 2245. Once they are notified that items are ready for pickup, customers can schedule a pickup appointment at the Main Library.
Face coverings and social distancing required
Returns accepted 24/7 at the Main Library and Bellevue Avenue Branch
Both buildings remain closed to the public

Phase 3: Limited In-Person Usage

In effect: October 19, 2020 – present

Pickup of holds inside the Main Library by drop-in or outside by curbside appointment
Browsing on the first floor
Limited number of people in the building at any given time
Customers may use the restroom and fill their water bottles while in the building, but drinking from the fountain is unavailable at this time
One-way foot traffic: enter through the front doors, exit through the side (cafe) doors
Face coverings and social distancing required
It is not possible for us to provide seating at this time
Eating and drinking are not allowed in the Library at this time
Computer usage by appointment coming soon
Bellevue Avenue Branch remains closed to the public

Future Phases

Browsing on the second and third floors will be added in a future phase. The Library will continue to add services as conditions allow. Because health and safety are our top priority, we will fully reopen only when it is safe for both our customers and staff to do so.

Last update: October 19, 2020