By MADDY VITALE
The Ocean City Free Public Library sent a letter out to all patrons Friday afternoon, detailing the steps officials have taken there to ensure that the public’s safety and well-being are the top priority in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The library and services will remain open as long as the county Heath Department and state government allows,” explained Library Board of Trustees President Jennifer Shirk in an email. “However, just as a precautionary measure, we are cancelling all in-person programming and classes until April 17.”
Shirk pointed out that there are many ways to enjoy the digital library 24 hours a day at
www.oceancitylibrary.org.
The library, at 1735 Simpson Avenue, offers a host of events and programs that fill a patron’s calendar throughout the week. There are movie nights, lectures, children’s programing and clubs for teens. There are also live musical performances and workshops that include learning a new language or how to meditate.
However, as with the rest of the world, the library has scaled back activities for the near future. On Friday afternoon, the library posted a full page of information and links about the novel coronavirus at
http://reference.oceancitylibrary.org/covid2019.
The library offers an array of activities year-round, including the popular book sales. For now, however, the library's classes and programming have stopped in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
This letter, provided by library officials, was sent to patrons on Friday:
Dear Valued Patron:
The safety and well-being of our staff and patrons are of our highest priority, which is why we wanted to reach out to you and let you know what we're doing on our end to ensure everyone who uses the library stay informed and also healthy.
Our Computer Center keyboards are wiped after each use with disinfectant as well as counters and tables throughout the day and nightly. Hand sanitizers and wipes are at readily available locations for staff and patron use as well.
PLEASE NOTE: As a precautionary measure, the Ocean City Free Public Library has canceled all in person programming and classes through April 17th. However, by statute, we are operational and providing services as long as the county Department of Health and state government allows.
If you are not feeling well, please stay home. Our digital library is open 24 hours.
https://www.oceancitylibrary.org/
We will continue to monitor and follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, state, and local health departments and will provide updates when available.
Other key resources for you include:
Guidance from the CDC
New Jersey Department of Health
In the meantime, we want to thank you for being a patron of our library.
Wishing you and yours continued good health,
Karen Mahar, Director of the Ocean City Free Public Library and The Ocean City Free Public Library Board of Trustees
The Ocean City Free Public Library is located at 1735 Simpson Ave.
