FAQ
Using the Library
What should I expect when I visit the library?
What measures is the library taking to keep patrons safe?
Do I need to wear a mask when I'm at the library?
How can I minimize the amount of time I spend in the library?
What if I don't feel comfortable coming into the library?
Library Services
Can I use a public computer at this time?
Can I book a meeting room or study room?
Can students get help with homework?
Are notary services available?
Returns
How do I return items to the library at this time?
Should I clean or disinfect items after checking them out or before returning them?
How is the library handling returned items?
Holds and Checking Out Items
Will holds take longer during this time?
May I have someone else pick up holds for me?
Using the Library
What should I expect when I visit the library?
As of Tuesday, July 6, the Pennsauken Library building is open for all in-person services. While in the library, all patrons must wear a mask and observe physical distancing. We encourage you to limit your time in the building to one hour or less.
Most services are available on a walk-in basis and do not require appointments.
The only services we ask you to make an appointment for are:
- Notary
- Study carrel
- Computer use
Please call us at 856.665.5959, ext. 3 to make an appointment for any of these services.
What measures is the library taking to keep patrons safe?
We are taking a number of precautions to limit personal contact and follow social distancing guidelines:
- Limiting the number of patrons in our locations based on square footage
- Reducing our hours to ensure staff have sufficient time for enhanced cleaning
- Eliminating seating and asking patrons to keep visits short
- Reducing the number of computers available for express printing only
- Providing distancing markers
- Requiring staff to wear masks
- Requiring all visitors over age 5 to wear masks that cover nose and mouth; if you do not have a mask, we will provide one
- Using Plexiglas shields at selected service points
- Quarantining returned library materials
- Increasing frequency of cleaning high-touch areas
- Providing hand-sanitizing stations and encouraging frequent hand washing
Please help us keep our staff and others safe by:
- Staying home if you’re experiencing symptoms of any illness
- Wearing a mask to cover your nose and mouth; if you don’t have one, we will provide disposable masks
- Washing or sanitizing your hands frequently; we’re providing hand sanitizer at all locations
- Respecting social distancing guidelines and keeping your visit short
- Following the instructions of library staff
Do I need to wear a mask when I'm at the library?
Yes, we’re requiring all visitors to wear masks that cover their nose and mouth.
If you forget your mask, we will provide one for you.
How can I minimize the amount of time I spend in the library?
If you want to check out items, you can put them on hold before you come by. When items are ready for pickup, you will receive a notification. The items will then be waiting for you on the hold shelf when you come in. As we are quarantining returned items before checking them in, there will be delays in delivering holds materials to the next patron.
We also offer many e-resources, including ebooks and audiobooks. Find out more about our Digital Library.
What if I don't feel comfortable coming into the library?
If a family member or friend is available to pick up your holds, you can give them your library card to check out your materials. We also offer ebooks or audiobooks you can download to enjoy.
Library Services
Can I use a public computer at this time?
Computer use is currently available by appointment. Please call the library at 856-665-5959 ext. 3 to make a reservation. Appointments are also available for walk-in, based on availability. Appointments are limited to one hour a day.
We also have Mobile Printing available. With this service you can use your personal computer or device to print to the library's printers. Simply submit the documents for printing electronically, and come to the library to pick them up.
Can I book a study room or meeting room?
Study rooms can be booked for one hour a day, up to two times a week. Call the library at 856-665-5959 ext. 3 to make a reservation.
Our meeting rooms remain closed until further notice. For more information, please visit our Community Room page.
Can students get help with homework?
Students can use the Ask a Librarian Online service.
Connect one-on-one with a librarian online.
To participate, you must register ahead of time for a session with a librarian.
Register online here: https://sites.google.com/view/askalibrarianonline-live
Can't chat online? No problem. You can call the library anytime at 856.665.5959 and leave a message. A member of the library staff will return your phone call. Please dial ext. 4 for Reference or ext. 5 for Youth Services.
Is job search available?
Job searchers can use the Ask a Librarian Online service.
Connect one-on-one with a librarian online.
To participate, you must register ahead of time for a session with a librarian.
Register online here: https://sites.google.com/view/askalibrarianonline-live
Can't chat online? No problem. You can call the library anytime at 856.665.5959 and leave a message. A member of the library staff will return your phone call. Please dial ext. 4 for Reference
Are notary services available?
Notary services are available now by appointment. Call the library at 856-665-5959 ext. 3 to make an appointment.
Notary services are also available by appointment at the Pennsauken Township Building. To make an appointment for notary services, please call the Township at 856-665-1000.
Returns
How do I return items to the library at this time?
We ask that you bring your checked-out items to the lobby of the library. You’ll still place them in clearly marked returns bins, and library staff will process them as we’ve been doing, by isolating them for seven days in the Community Room, sanitizing them, and then putting them back in circulation.
Your returned items will not accrue fines during the week of isolation. Any previously accrued fines will remain on your record until you pay them.
As with all other in-library services, we require you to wear a protective face mask (covering both your nose and mouth) when entering the building. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone not adhering to this important health and safety practice.
Should I clean or disinfect items after checking them out or before returning them?
Cleaning materials at home may damage them. We will quarantine returned materials before checking them in.
How is the library handling returned items?
We are quarantining returned materials before checking items in. For this reason, items will remain on your account for up to a week after you return them.
Holds and Checking Out Items
Will holds take longer during this time?
As we are quarantining returned materials before checking items in, there will be delays in delivering holds materials to the next patron.
May I have someone else pick up holds for me?
Yes. If a family member or friend is available to pick up your holds, you can give them your library card to check out your materials.
Can I pause a hold?
Yes, you can pause a hold that is “not ready.”
While your hold is paused, your position in the hold queue is skipped over until the hold is resumed. You will stay in the hold queue and not lose your place there while holds are filled for other patrons.
Use this option to manage your holds when you are away or don't have time to read.