EAST BRUNSWICK–Finding new ways to serve its patrons, the East Brunswick Public Library began offering 30-minute computer use sessions to cardholders on July 15.
“The library is following a phased reopening recommended by a statewide library task force,” Interim Library Director Melissa Kuzma said in a prepared statement. “Each week, our goal is to provide new services for customers while we deploy safety measures to keep library visitors and staff safe.”
On July 15, the library began offering computer appointments. Customers will be allowed to enter the library to use a computer for a 30-minute session. Reservation is by appointment only by calling the library, according to the statement.
This service is only available to East Brunswick Public Library cardholders and East Brunswick residents.
“We are offering computers access to our customers as a courtesy while we reopen the library,” Kuzma said in the statement. “Customers are required to sanitize the computer equipment with cleaning materials we provide. They will be limited to just the computer section, and they are not allowed anywhere else in the building.”
This is one of the many ways East Brunswick Public Library has found ways to serve its customers.
The library’s librarians are available to answer reference questions virtually. They can be reached by telephone by calling the library. On the library’s website, residents can submit their questions by a form or use the new reference chatbox, according to the statement.
Virtual reference is available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from noon-8 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday reference services are by phone and chat only, according to the statement.
The library also started the new “Reference in the Park” service. Library staff is stationed outside of the building in a tent to answer quick questions about library services. “Reference in the Park” is available on Monday, Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. This service is available, weather permitting.
“Our customers asked very early into the pandemic about curbside pickup,” Kuzma said in the statement. “It has been extremely popular since we launched it this past June.”
East Brunswick Public Library cardholders can place library materials on hold by using the online catalog or by calling the library. Once the materials are available, they will be instructed to contact the library to schedule a curbside pickup appointment, according to the statement.
Curbside pickup is available by appointment only. Curbside pickup is available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., according to the statement.
The library’s book and media drops are also available to return library materials. Customers can return items Mondays at 8 a.m. through Saturdays at 8 p.m. The book drops are closed Saturday night through Monday morning. Lendable kits cannot be returned at this time, according to the statement.
“On behalf of the library, I would like to thank our customers for their patience as we’ve resumed library services. The best way to learn about these new services is to visit our website, and to follow us on social media,” Kuzma said in the statement.
For more information call 732-390-6767, 732-350-6767 or visit www.ebpl.org