MIDDLESEX, NC — A new Village Post Office is now open in Middlesex, offering another alternative to traditional Post Offices with the convenience of access to postal products and services. Middlesex VPO, located at 3477 S NC 231, opened Dec. 2 and operates seven days a week. Monday through Saturday hours are 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. and Sunday hours from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Middlesex VPO provides a specific range of products and services including booklets of First-Class postage stamps, Flat-Rate prepaid Priority Mail products and limited mail acceptance.

The Postal Service announced the Village Post Office concept in July 2011 as a way to increase access to postal products and services in the more rural communities across the nation. Located within communities in a variety of locations — convenience stores, gas stations, local businesses, libraries or other government agencies — VPOs are operated by the management of those locations.

Business establishments interested in applying for a contract with the Postal Service to start a Village Post Office in their local community should contact: vpo.inquiry@usps.gov. Additional information about Village Post Offices, including where they are located, can be found at usps.com/villagepostoffice.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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