As kids we all had those summer reading lists from school to look down and read, so it was off to the library for a good book or few and then an adventure could begin.

Those days of getting up early and going to the library, finding what you need and being amazed by the collections of stories and adventures within helped you have a great summer.

As of July 6th those adventures, stalled by the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic on March 14, can begin again.

Governor Phil Murphy announced that all libraries across the sate could reopen as of July 2 but the Ocean County Library system will hold off just a couple days as part of their individual plan to reopen announced on Friday.

You can return your books beginning Monday June 29 but all those books, magazines, etc. will go into their own quarantine for a period of time before being checked back and added into circulation at the library.

Overdue fines will not add up on any materials you have for the time being.

On Monday July 6, doors will open to the library branches across Ocean County but with limited hours for right now.

Toms River, Barnegat, Berkeley, Brick, Jackson, Lacey, Lakewood, Little Egg Harbor, Long Beach Island, Manchester, Plumsted, Point Boro, Stafford and Upper Shores branches will be open Monday - Thursday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 3:00 to 7:00 pm as well as Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Meanwhile, OCL branches in Bay Head, Beachwood, Island Heights, Point Beach, Tuckerton, Waretown and Whiting branches will be open Monday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 3:00 to 7:00 pm and Tuesday - Saturday will be from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.

There will be contactless pickup of materials beginning on July 6 as well where you will use self-pick up holds and self-check kiosks at the library which does require your library card.

You can still walk around the library looking for books but OCL officials ask that you be considerate of others as libraries can only be open for 25-percent capacity right now.

You'll be able to use the public computers by appointment only for now and there will be social distancing in between stations and you will also only have a half-hour at the computer, so use your time wisely.

You can sit down to read or take a look at something and social distancing seating will be set up as well.

Meeting rooms and study areas will be used by OCL staff to quarantine returned materials and all in-person programs and events are still under suspension for the time being.

As you might expect, you'll have to wear a face mask or covering and be socially distant as well.

"In the coming weeks, we look forward to sharing more details and announcing exact dates on when we will resume our full complement of services. In the meantime, please continue to engage with us virtually through our website, which provides access to online resources, streaming movies, ebooks, and audio ebooks 24/7 (www.theoceancountylibrary.org)," OCL Spokesman Tom Mongelli said in a statement. "Thank you Ocean County Library customers for your continued patience and support during this extraordinary time. As you miss the library, we miss you as well! We are excited to share with you our plans for reopening the library."

Vin
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You can follow Vin Ebenau on Twitter and Instagram and email news tips to vin.ebenau@townsquaremedia.com.

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