Despite limitations placed on the Garland County Library's day-to-day operations, librarians are still encouraging patrons to take advantage of the virtual programming it offers and to join the summer reading program because they believe these interactions are crucial during the pandemic.
Every department in the library now offers some type of virtual programming or online summer reading program. Although the summer reading program officially began in May, Tiffany Hough, children's librarian and youth programs director, said it is never too late to join.
"We started the reading program early. We started the beginning of May, rather than in the middle of May because kids were already out of school. And when we started, the library building wasn't open yet," Hough said.
To join now, Hough says patrons of all ages should sign up on the library's website. They can also join a private group for the Garland County Summer Reading Program on Facebook once they have enrolled.
"And thank goodness our reading program has already had the capacity to be completely online. The past, I don't know, five years or so," said children's librarian Katie Allen.
Typically, the summer months cause families to flock to the library for all of the interesting programs offered and library officials say they are aiming at resuming in-person activities in July. But for now, they have kept the momentum going by offering several online programs.
"We're a little disappointed because we have so many fun in-house ideas we wanted to do according to the theme, (Imagine Your Own Story) and now, of course, we haven't been able to do that. But we've still managed to do some virtual programming and we're going to start doing a little bit of in house programming in July for those who feel comfortable. We found that a lot of folks are more comfortable with virtual programming," Hough said.
"We've been doing story time every Tuesday morning live on Facebook and we also have various programs that we've been leading on Zoom. Like our story makers program, which highlights an artist of some time. ... ," said Allen. "So they pick up all their stuff through curbside, and they'll watch and make it together on Zoom. We're doing tons of curbside crafts. Sometimes there's a video online of how to do it or sometimes the instructions are in the bag."
Similar things are happening in the young adult section of the library. Brittany Chavez, young adult librarian, teaches patrons how to make watermelon slime on Zoom and hosts book clubs and she noted programming will pick up significantly next month.
"Right now, what we have planned are things like more book clubs, Miss Brooke gets on and does kinetic sand with them, and we've got a Lego club virtual submission going. There's just lots of stuff going on," Chavez said.
Paul Kagebein, adult services programmer, said they, too, are looking forward to offering more in July, both online and in person.
"Since we're trying to accommodate with social distancing, we have to find new methods to interact with our adult patrons. There is a plan to tentatively resume physical in-person programming in July, but also we're finding ways to interact digitally," he said. "One of the big things we have right now planned is a book talk with author David Hill. He's the author of 'The Vapors.' That's gonna be on July 8. It will be a virtual book talk streamed on Facebook Live. Patrons can interact by asking questions through that."
Overall, the librarians and staff members agree the pandemic has affected the summer reading program. The children's library did not get to host the annual kickoff party and the fate of the 100-hour party is still up in the air. However, they have creative workarounds already in the making.
"We had over 1,000 (children registered) this time last year, but the hours the kids are reading are pretty close to last year. So I guess the kids at home are reading and listening to audiobooks," Hough said.
The library offers an array of audiobook options on the platforms Hooplah and Overdrive, otherwise known as Libby. These programs bring thousands of audiobooks and e-books straight to the hands of library patrons.
Next week, the children's librarians will deliver sweet treats to the children enrolled in the summer reading program.
"We're going to deliver frozen treats like Popsicles or ice cream to any kids that are signed up who want a delivery. If anybody can't have delivery, or would rather just come here, they can come here next week, anytime and pick up a Popsicle through curbside pickup," Allen said.
For more information about any programming or services the library offers, visit http://www.gclibrary.com or call 623-4161.