Whitehall Township Public Library will be closed July 3-5 for Independence Day.

The library’s new hours begin July 6 and are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Curbside pickup continues through December.

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The library is holding a raffle for a handmade kids’ quilt, sized 44.5 inches by 46.5 inches. Buy tickets July 6-23.

It will be on display near the front desk during the raffle period, so come and check it out.

The winning ticket will be selected 4 p.m. July 23, and the winner will have a week to pick up the quilt.

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This year, the library will host a series of outdoor book talks for patrons ages 18 years and up. The talks will be 11 a.m. every other Wednesday - July 7 and 21 and Aug. 4 and 18 - at the picnic table area.

We’ll talk about anything you are currently reading. Masks are recommended for anyone who attends, and you’ll need to bring your own chair or picnic blanket or sit at the picnic table.

We hope to move inside the library in late July and August.

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The 2021 summer reading program theme is Tails and Tales, and it features all kinds of animals with tails or tall tales to be told. The program continues through 1 p.m. Aug. 14.

You can register and log books online any time, so visit our website, whitehallpubliclibrary.org, for the registration link. Adults have the option to register and log books online or on paper.

Watch for different contests, virtual programs and at-home activities.

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Since the library couldn’t have a book sale in 2020, there will be two book sales this year, tentatively set for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 27 and 28 and Nov. 19 and 20.

Check the website or call the library at 610-432-4339 for more information.

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We cannot accept book donations until after Sept. 7.

We are in the process of clearing out items and cleaning up the community room.

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The following items are on the summer wish list for the library: disinfecting wipes, cases of bottled water, disposable masks, hand sanitizer, resealable plastic bags of any size and gift cards for any store, but especially Walmart, Giant and Redner’s.

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Children should play at their own risk. The library is not responsible for cleaning the toys.

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The inside book drop is now open. You may return items in the yellow book drop boxes outside in the parking lot or inside at the circulation desk.

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As we move toward the new normal after pandemic, we will follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to keep our staff and patrons safe.

Patrons who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear masks and have them in place while on library grounds. Maintain social distancing by putting at least 6 feet between yourself and others.

Patrons should sanitize their hands upon arrival at the library. There are three hand-sanitizing stations in the library.

For the safety of all, we ask people who feel ill not to come inside the library. Patrons who are visibly sick or coughing/sneezing excessively will be asked to leave.

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Patrons may come inside the library for one hour to browse the collection, select items to check out and use our copier. You can come in for two hours a day to use the public computers, which you’ll sign up for at the front desk.

If you have questions and need help, call the library at 610-432-4339.