Chatham Library Could Soon Allow Patrons Inside Again

CHATHAM, NJ — Patrons may soon be able to enter the Library of the Chathams again. Borough and Township health officers will vote March 15 on whether to open the facility to a limited number of people by appointment.

If approved, the plan would allow residents to make a half-hour appointment each day to browse the library. Here's how it would work, according to the library:

• Appointments will be available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
• Temperature checks will take place upon entry.
• Patrons will go through the back entrance off the parking lot and exit through the front doors on Main Street. People with mobility issues can exit through the back doors.
• The library would allow each patron inside for only 30 minutes over a 24-hour period.

The library currently conducts takeout service and would continue to do so under the same hours. The facility also offers "virtual browsing," in which staff will take patrons through the library via video call.

Here's more info on the library's next phase of reopening.

Coronavirus risk around New Jersey has gradually decreased in the past month, allowing for more flexibility on COVID-19 restrictions, according to state officials. Morris County now has a "moderate" risk based on case data and positivity rates, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Chatham officials and faith leaders held a service Feb. 21 in front of the library to honor the 500,000 Americans and 47 Chatham Borough and Township residents who died from the coronavirus. The front lawn has 500 purple flags and 47 white flags to to represent those lost to COVID-19 nationally and locally.

Thanks for reading. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to josh.bakan@patch.com.

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading, or by visiting the Google Play store. You can also follow the Chatham Patch Facebook page.