UPDATE: The Ocean County Library system has made the decision to close all of their branches beginning Sunday and maintaining the absence until March 29 out of an abundance of caution for staff and customers.

Read the Saturday morning article below:

The Ocean County Library branches will remain open for now but are cancelling all library programs, outreach and meetings with the use of library meetings and spaces by outside groups also off limits through March 31.

OCL officials are closely following the recommendations of our County, State, and National health organizations about the coronavirus "because the safety of our library customers and staff is our first priority."

"Our facilities are cleaned daily with attention to hard surfaces such as hand rails, door handles, restrooms, and frequently touched surfaces."

“We are taking these actions out of an abundance of caution because we care about the health and safety of our library customers and staff,” Ruthanne Scaturro, Chairperson, Ocean County Library Commission, said.

The Ocean County Library is also automatically extending the due dates of all books and materials that are checked out and waive all late fines.

"Please enjoy the library books and materials you have checked out a little longer instead of returning them to library."

Instead of attending the library in person OCL officials are reminding everyone that their digital resources and materials, online learning resources, and pre-recorded and live-streamed library programs are available anytime at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

Ocean County residents who do not have a library card will be provided a library card barcode that will provide access to all their digital services.

“The Ocean County Library is being sensible in following the recommendations of healthcare professionals and medical experts that one of the best ways to help deter the spread of this virus is to employ social distancing by avoiding large public gatherings,” Library Director Susan Quinn said,

Quinn said that all library employees have been instructed to follow the recommendations regarding hand washing and all other health protocols recommended by the Ocean County Health Department.

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