Princeton Public Library closed after staff member tests positive for COVID-19
The Princeton Public Library will be closed until further notice after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19, Executive Director Jennifer Podolsky said on Monday.
“The safety of the public and our staff have been foremost in our thinking during the pandemic,” Podolsky said. “When we received notification that an employee tested positive, we followed protocols approved by our board of trustees in consultation with the municipal health department and closed the building to facilitate staff isolation, contact tracing, and deep cleaning. Our thoughts are with our colleague and their loved ones at this uncertain time.”
The library has been offering in-person services during reduced hours six days a week since reopening the library building last summer.
During this closure, which is expected to last at least through Jan. 31, book drops will be sealed. Contactless hold pickup has also been suspended. Due dates of materials already in circulation, and those placed on hold and awaiting pickup at the library, will be extended two weeks. Extended-use fees will be waived during the closure.
All virtual services will continue through the closure, including access to the digital collection and databases, the virtual information desk, and virtual programming.
“As we proved after closing in March, the library is a lot more than just a building,” Podolsky said. “We were pleased to have offered in-person service these past five months and had planned well for the unfortunate situation we’re now facing. We will open again as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.