Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2018: What's open, closed on MLK Day, banks, courts, stores, transit

By Spencer Kent | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, is Martin Luther King Day, a federal holiday commemorating the life and achievements of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

The day has also become a time when people in communities throughout the country participate in service events in their neighborhoods.

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation designating every third Monday in January as Martin Luther King Day — commonly abbreviated as MLK Day.

Because MLK Day is a national holiday, some institutions and businesses are closed on Monday. Here’s a closer look at what’s open and what’s closed.

All major retails stores, shopping malls, pharmacies and grocery stores should be open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. However, make sure to check with your local stores before heading out.

The U.S. Postal Service will not be delivering regular mail on MLK Day but will be delivering its Priority Mail Express. UPS and FedEx will be operating normal delivery service, despite the national holiday.

NJ Transit trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule. Customers should check NJ Transit’s website or its trip planner for further details. SEPTA will operate on a modified weekday schedule and PATH trains will operate on a Saturday schedule.