Message from the Director...
In preparation for writing the biannual message from the Director, I always look back on the previous years messages, to see what was happening in the library in years passed and to help find inspiration for the current message. I knew I wouldn’t find much help for this message, because like every other aspect of our lives, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed daily library operations and programming. Coordinating facemasks with our outfits are only the beginning of our “new normal” here at the Mercer County District Library. Staff have become accustomed to spraying workstations with disinfectant whenever shifts are over. Like every other business and organization, library staff constantly spray disinfectant and/or wipe down areas where patrons have even briefly sat down or spent time near. All items returned to the library are quarantined for 72 hours, patrons are limited to the amount of time they may spend in the library, patron seating and computer equipment has been reduced drastically. These are just a few of the examples of the measures we are taking to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Though it would seem that there has been only negative aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have seen our library’s staff face the challenges of these extremely difficult situations positively, with innovative and creative solutions. I firmly believe that it is important to continually think outside of the normal and if nothing else, COVID-19 has ensured everyone toss “normal” out the window. Library staff completely redesigned the annual Summer Reading Program and developed a fully online platform for children and adults with virtual programs, challenges, and games. Preschool story times became virtual featuring special guests from the community and will continue to be live streamed every Tuesday and Thursday beginning in September. Our summer intern, Remy, created virtual field trips so patrons could visit castles, MVP Dairy, the Temple of Tolerance, and many other places. The extremely popular Trivia Nights also went online, were well received and hugely successful. The monthly book clubs have been meeting virtually and have been looking at having a socially distanced meeting outside. Look for our Instant Pot Cooking Show and much more as we continue to develop programming that will serve all of our patrons.
Curbside services are still available and encouraged for those high-risk patrons or anyone not comfortable coming into the library. Library apps like Libby, Lynda, and the SEO Libraries app allow patrons to search for books, movies, magazines and more right from the comfort (and safety) of their homes. As always, if you have any suggestions, comments, or questions, please share them with me.
Elizabeth Muether, Director
Schedule a curbside pickup or make a general request: mercerlibrary.org/curbside
- Libby for Android /for iOS (Apple): Access ebooks, audio ebooks, and magazines for all ages. You can borrow them, instantly, for free, using just the device in your hand.
- Lynda for Android /for iOS (Apple): Gain access to over 6,600 expert video tutorials, on software, digital arts, marketing, business, and 100’s of more topics
- SEO Libraries app for Android /for iOS (Apple) : Search the catalog, view your checkouts, renew materials, and manage holds.
- Library’s Facebook Page: Check for latest updates, programming, and more.
- Library’s YouTube Channel: Watch past storytimes, programs, and more.
- Library’s Catalog: Search the catalog, place holds, view your checkouts, renew materials, and manage holds.
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