A Message About Coronavirus

The health and safety of our library community is our highest priority. As the coronavirus (COVID-19) begins to have an increased impact on our communities, I want to share some of the actions Middletown Free Library is taking to keep both you and our employees healthy. As this situation continues to evolve, we are closely monitoring announcements from Delaware County Officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as keeping in contact with Township Officials. We will continue to take all the information we gather into consideration as we examine our approach to handling this pandemic.

While our library remains open and operating as normal, we are evaluating taking a proactive approach at the Library with regard to the importance of social distancing in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Please keep an eye on this website, Facebook and be sure you are on our email list in order to received important updates to any changes in programs, services or hours. You can sign-up for the e-newsletter HERE.

We recommend that customers wash or sanitize their hands before using public computers or restrooms, as well as before handling materials and other public surfaces such as door knobs. We also recommend that people wash or sanitize their hands again after all such interactions. Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes are available by the computer stations, in the Children's Area and at the front desk. 

We are taking measures to ensure our spaces are cleaned thoroughly every day by both staff and regular janitorial services. Our staff routinely clean work surfaces, including (but not limited to): counter-tops, chairs & couches, computer keyboards and mice, and printers.

We encourage any concerned customers, especially those in high-risk populations, to stay home if they are feeling ill or are simply concerned about potential exposure. Reported illnesses of coronavirus have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness. These symptoms may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. All employees exhibiting flu and/or coronavirus symptoms have been instructed to stay home and follow MFL sick leave procedures.

What We Are Doing:

• Staff are wiping down tabletops, countertops, computer stations, chairs, door handles and othter areas throughout the day and before opening
• Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes are available by the computers, at the front desk and in the Children's Area out of the reach of children for patron use. We recommend wiping down computer keyboards and mice before and after using the computer.
• A "Yucky Bin" is available in the children's are to place toys that your child may have put in their mouth to be cleaned by staff before being put back out for use. Wooden toy trains are available by request only. The number of toys available will be cut down and rotated every day to be cleaned and allow the virus to die before being put back out for play.
• We are asking staff & patrons to please stay home and take advantage of our digital resources if they are sick or exhibity symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. Employees are being instructed to stay home and be free of symptoms for 24 hours before returning to work.
• If someone in your household is sick with flu, pink eye or any other communicable illness, we would appreciate you returning materials at the front desk and notifying a staff member so we can wipe down those materials before they are returned to the shelves. 
• We will no longer be serving open food and beverages at programs. Pre-packed snacks and drinks will be served during some programs.

This is a rapidly developing situation so please be sure to check here for any updates or changes to hours or services. 

E-Newsletter Sign-Up