The Middle Country Public Library entered Phase III on July 8, 2020. The Centereach and Selden buildings are open to the public with limited capacity and services. Curbside assistance, virtual programs and virtual one-on-one appointments will continue during Phase III.
The following services will be provided:
We are taking a number of precautions to prioritize the health and safety of our staff and patrons. We are quarantining returned items for 5 days, providing proper personal protection equipment and implementing guidelines and recommendations from our local health officials and the CDC. While in the library, all patrons over the ages of 2 must wear masks and practice social distancing.
Although the Library will be operating differently during this time, we are committed to providing our community with the best customer service. We thank you for your patience, cooperation and ongoing support. We look forward to welcoming you back!
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours will the library be open during Phase III?
The library will be resuming its regular hours and will be open Monday-Friday 9:30am-9:00pm, Saturday 9:30-5:00pm, and Sunday 1:00pm-5:00pm (September through June).
Why are there limits on how many people can be in the library at a time?
Following state and local public health guidelines, the library is limiting its capacity to allow for effective social distancing to be maintained at all times.
How much time will I have in the library?
Visits will be limited to 60 minutes.
What services will be available?
During their visit, patrons will be able to check out and return materials; use a computer; have a staff member assist them with scanning, faxing, or copying; and obtain reference assistance from a librarian.
Will I have to wait in line to enter the library?
If capacity limits are reached, patrons may have to wait in line until space is available. Library staff will manage the line to ensure there is adequate space between individuals.
What safety measures are in place?
To ensure the safety of patrons and library staff, the following have been put in place:
Computer Usage
Can I use a computer?
Computers can be used for a 30 minute session, extendable to a second 30 minutes, if no one is waiting.
Can staff help me at the computer?
Staff can provide assistance, which may be limited by social distancing requirements.
Can I scan, fax, or make photocopies?
A staff member can assist you with scanning, faxing, or making copies.
Circulation
How can I return materials?
Most materials can be returned using the drive-up returns available in each building. Items too large to be returned this way can be returned in the building.
How can I pick up my holds?
Holds can be picked up directly from the holdshelf or through curbside pickup. More information about curbside pickup can be found at https://www.mcplibrary.org/curbside
Can I browse the collection?
The collections are open for browsing.
Is the library accepting donations?
The library is not accepting any donations at this time.
Programs and Meeting Rooms
Is the library still offering programs?
The library is only offering online programs at this time. Some are prerecorded and available on YouTube and others are presented live using Zoom. For more information, please visit https://www.mcplibrary.org/online-programs
Will the Nature Explorium be open?
The Nature Explorium is open by appointment. Procedures will be in place to ensure social distancing.
Will the Museum Corner be open?
The Museum Corner is open by appointment. Procedures will be in place to ensure social distancing.
Are meeting rooms available for use?
Meeting rooms and study rooms are not available for use at this time.