Mask Mandate Lift Planned At Library In Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — The Library of the Chathams plans to lift its mask mandate starting Monday with some exceptions, according to a library spokesperson.

The Library Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution to end the library’s mask requirement at its meeting on Thursday, said Galina Natenzon — a spokesperson for the library and its assistant director — in an email statement to Patch on Friday.

Masks will still be mandated at some events, including the Friends of the Library of the Chathams’ upcoming yearly book sale from March 12 through March 17, said Natenzon.

Though the library — which is located in Chatham Borough — is used by both Chatham Borough and Township residents, the library is not under a resolution that was adopted by Chatham Township on Tuesday, she said. That resolution codified a mask option on all township-owned properties, with no mask enforcement permitted on those properties.

“The library is governed by a Library Board of Trustees appointed by the mayors of both towns and is located within the borders of Chatham Borough, not Chatham Township,” Natenzon said. “So, while the library makes every effort to respect the wishes of Chatham Borough and Chatham Township, the library is not subject to that resolution.”

Library patrons with questions should contact Director Karen Brodsky with questions at 973-635-0608, Natenzon said.

The Chatham Township Committee voted 3-2 for the mask-option policy, Deputy Mayor Mark Hamilton stressing at the meeting that municipally-owned properties have had a longtime mask option. The resolution forbids any individual, employee, volunteer or organization to mandate masks in the municipal building or township-owned properties, including parks, regardless of age or vaccination status.

On Monday, the Chatham Borough Council is planning to meet and may do so in a hybrid format, after switching to fully virtual meeting formats beginning with the Jan. 3 reorganization meeting, Borough Administrator Stephen Williams previously told Patch.

Williams said the meeting is expected to be “first come, first admitted,” with masks required and a 25-person cap on attendees.

Borough hall shut down temporarily after the rise in COVID-19 omicron cases, between Jan. 3 and Feb. 2, Williams said.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.