The novel coronavirus and COVID-19 have touched every aspect of life for Plainfield's citizens. Although the present is full of difficulties, we still have to think about our future, and participating in the 2020 Census is more important than ever.

A low return for the Census would mean inaccurate levels of government funding for places that need it the most - like Plainfield.

That's why it's really important to know that you can participate in this year's Census - safely. Read on to find out how you can do so.

And whatever you do, remember that the Library is here to help. Any questions you have, we'll walk you through them or put you in touch with experts who can. Contact details are at the bottom of this email.

About the census:

Every ten years the United States conducts its decennial census of everyone, young and old alike, living in the United States. The information gathered is anonymized (all names are removed) and used to create data about population density and other demographic statistics.

This helps the Federal Government to make decisions about how to manage its resources that serve the areas where people live. If not enough people respond, it makes it harder to figure out where resources need to go. As you can imagine, this is especially relevant now.

By participating in the 2020 Census, you'll be helping Plainfield get its fair share of funding for important resources like health services, roads, schools, and fire departments. If everyone living in Plainfield isn't counted, it can reduce funding because the government will not have accurate data to base its funding decisions. The data the census produces is fundamental to trying to apportion services according to need.

There are ways you can respond to the census without having to leave your home or interact with anyone in person: it is safe to respond to the census.

You can get help to participate in the census in lots of ways.

The census asks for a special Census ID number that would help the Census Bureau identify your address. It's helpful if you have this, but you do not need to have it to respond, if you have lost it or have not received one. Instead, you can simply fill out your address carefully. For more on this, see https://2020census.gov/en/ways-to-respond/responding-online.html

Most people will have received a form by the mail. In selected areas, this form may be in several languages. You can fill in the form and send it in by mail. This way, no one will have to visit your home.

You could fill out a response online. If you need help understanding the form or how to respond online, you can contact the Library to help via online chat or phone us at (908) 757-1111 ext 112, and we will walk you through the process. If you respond online, no one will have to visit your home.

You can also call Census Bureau agents on the phone from home at on (844) 330-2020 and answer your census questions over the phone in the language of your choice (the census bureau phone line covers a wide range of major languages). The call is free. If you respond over the phone, no one will have to visit your home.

Making Plainfield count is something people in Plainfield care about because it's how Plainfiled will get its fair share of funding. Take part in the Census to make Plainfield's people count.