Libraries throughout the state are being affected by the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.  Many libraries are already closed, and it’s almost certain that more libraries will follow in the days to come.  First and foremost, the health and safety of your staff and patrons should be your primary concern.  Your library should be in close contact with your municipal and health department officials to determine whether or not your library should close.  If your library is closed, alert your patrons to the digital resources available through the library’s website.  You might also consider waiving all fines until the library reopens. 
 
This is a particularly difficult time for library boards.  Should you hold your monthly meet ing or can you skip a month?  For most libraries, bill lists and bill payments are approved monthly, so skipping a meeting is problematic.  There may be other pressing business the board needs to address.  So what should you do? 
 
First and foremost- remember that the library board is subject to the Open Public Meeting Act, and must abide by the requirements of that law.  So what does that mean?  The board cannot hold a meeting through email; nor can the board meet via conference call, unless the public can also participate in the conference call. 
 
The NJ Depart. of Community Affairs issued guidance on Friday, March 13, 2020 on Open Public Meetings. https://www.njlm.org/DocumentCenter/View/8348/DLGS-Health-Emergency-Public-Meeting-Guidance . This information, of course, could change very quickly. 

 The New Jersey State League of Municipalities has developed an extensive resource list on the virus.  Please refer to https://www.njlm.org/1085/Coronavirus-COVID-19  for the latest information. 

 Libraries have always been places the public turns to in times of uncertainty. This time should be no different.  Our physical buildings may be closed, but we can continue to serve our patrons through our digital resources. Please make sure your library is communicating with the public via social media regarding the wealth of materials we can provide virtually.

Our libraries can continue to provide reliable information as this unprecedented situation unfolds. 
 
Thank you for all you are doing to keep our libraries functioning.  Be safe and well. 
 
Patricia Pavlak  
President, New Jersey Library Trustee Association