COVID-19 Coronavirus Update
The Maplewood Library and Hilton Branch Library remains closed to the public as of Sunday, March 15. We anticipate that both libraries will remain closed as long as the SOMSD schools remain closed.
We know that our library serves as an important neighborhood hub and provides essential services to our patrons. However, given the large number of people of all ages who visit our buildings each day, it is in the best public interest that we remain closed at the present time. The decision is based on guidance from the Township governing body and the latest science available aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Please continue to return your checked-out items in the book drops. The book drop at Main Library is built into the brick wall on the parking lot side of the building. Hilton Branch has a stand-alone book drop in the parking lot. They will both be emptied daily.
Library cards due to expire while the library is closed will be extended throughout the crisis. In addition, all due dates will be automatically extended. Please check your account online to see when your items are due.
Online resources are available to Maplewood Library cardholders around the clock. eBooks and eAudiobooks, TV shows, magazines and movies, and language learning programs are accessible with your card. You can find them HERE.
Sharing accurate information from trusted sources is critical to reducing misinformation and combating potential stigmas. Our website offers direct links to useful websites below. To gather reliable facts, we recommend Maplewood Township’s Official Website or New Jersey’s Department of Health. You can call 800-222-1222, a free 24-hour public hotline, or email ncov@doh.nj.gov, to reach trained healthcare professionals. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) can provide helpful information such as how the virus spreads, prevention methods, testing, and the effect on both the U.S. and the world. The American Chemistry Council’s Center for Biocide Chemistries has compiled a list of cleaning products that have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as effective during the COVID-19 outbreak.
You can find reliable and up-to-date information about the outbreak from these resources:
Use the following fact-checking websites to spot fake news or check an article’s authenticity: