As mentioned above, our target date for accepting library returns is
Monday, June 22, 2020. This process was outlined in the Cranford Public Library's Phased Reopening Plan, and is central to Phase One - our first steps in the road to restoring full service!
This is going to be a somewhat complex process. At the moment, the number of materials currently checked out includes nearly 8,000 books. While it's tough to determine the average weight of a book, in a
2002 interview with the Independent Online Booksellers Association Standard, Richard Weatherford, founder of the online bookstore Alibris, gave an estimate of 12 ounces. Currently, Cranford Public Library users have about three tons of library books in their homes.
First of all, that's an awesome statistic. Secondly, it means we have to approach this with care. Here are the most up to date answers to the most common questions we've recieved. As we determine more details (the library staff will be meeting virtually throughout the week), we will provide updates. Again, thank you for your patience and understanding. Your excitement about the library's reopening means a lot to us right now, and we're looking forward to this step as much as you are. If your question isn't answered here, you can always send it to
library@cranfordnj.org.
When can I return my books (DVDs, audiobooks, etc)?
We will begin accepting returns on Monday, June 22 between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. We are working on a plan that will ensure that all materials are not returned on the same day. We'll be asking library users, whenever possible, to return their books on specific days. The exact details of this plan, including the best time for you to return your books, will be finalized and shared with you later this week. In early days, we will ask that you return your books while library staff is working in the building so that our return bins are not overwhelmed.
What if I can't return my books during the day?
We will establish specific evening hours when library items can be returned.
Where do I return my books?
For the time being, we ask that you return your books to the library's front entrance during operating hours. We will have a high-capacity bin for returns just inside the front door. This entrance was chosen because it is visible, spacious, and accessible.
What will happen to my books once they are returned?
All materials returned over the course of a day will be moved inside and quarantined for a designated period of time, before they are checked in.
When will the after hours book drops be open?
The library's book drops have a very limited capacity, and can't be monitored overnight. For this reason, we are not opening them in Phase One. We can, however, monitor the total number of items currently checked out. As more items are returned and this number drops, we will make the call to open the book drops.
My books are really late... Will I have to pay a fine?
We are not charging fines or fees for any library materials that are past their original due date. We have had some hiccups in this process, and apologize for any inconvenience. At some point in the future, when more services have been reinstated, we will revisit the subject of overdue fees. Now is certainly not the time to do so. We have no intention of adding additional stress to your lives right now.
What is being done to protect library staff and patrons?
There are many answers to that question. The Cranford Public Library Board of Trustees approved a policy on May 28, 2020 stating:
"To protect the health and safety of staff and patrons, masks or face coverings are required for all patrons using on-site library services. Patrons must also obey social distancing guidelines as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Patrons who do not comply with this policy may be asked to leave the library. In addition, all staff members are required to wear a mask or face covering and gloves during their scheduled work hours."
In addition to this policy, all materials recieved at the library will be quarantined; we have set a maximum number of workers in the building; each library worker will be assigned a large workspace that is not shared with any other person; and gloves, masks, hand sanitizer and cleaning solution have been obtained and will be distributed to all staff. Testing, while not mandatory,
is available for all residents of New Jersey and is strongly encouraged for library staff. Contact tracing, where it does not contravene stringent state library
confidentiality statutes, is under discussion.
What else is happening in Phase One?
Lots of training, discussion and review. Our services are going to look very different, at least for a little while, and we're all experiencing them for the first time. Our dedicated staff has already shown their skill in adapting temporarily to a fully virtual world, and are ready to take the next step forward - with all due caution and with your health and safety in mind.
And what's going to happen in Phase Two?
The central elements of Phase Two are taking requests through multiple channels, and lending materials through contactless pickup at the library entrance.
That sounds great! When will that happen?
It sure does! While our plans are subject to change, at this moment we are targeting Monday, June 29, 2020. We will make a final determination once we have put Phase One into action.
