Library News
Here’s a little something from a young patron to brighten your day.
Virtual Services
While the libraries’ physical doors are closed, virtual services are still available, and staff are working to boost and promote online resources. Additional funds are being used to increase digital materials collections including Library2Go (OverDrive), Hoopla, and Kanopy. Both Hoopla and Kanopy have made certain parts of their resources available for free, meaning that they do not count against the check-out limits for those collections. A summary of resources that are being promoted can be found here.
Additional virtual programs are being scheduled, including book clubs that will be meeting online, teen programs, and resource information for small businesses. An updated list is on the events page.
Adult Services coordinator Carrie Turney Ross continues to work on ways to help promote US Census participation. Please see this article from the Mail Tribune for an update on the census. Note that the non-response notification for individuals who have not completed the census, originally scheduled to be mailed on April 9, has been delayed to April 23.
For National Library Week, April 19-25, JCLS orchestrated a “Find a Book” program around the county. They packaged donated books in plastic bags with a message about finding your place at the library wherever you are. The bag also provided information about how to register for an eCard and promotes digital resources.
As Friends, we can still help while the libraries are closed:
Help promote the virtual resources to your friends and family through word of mouth, social media, etc. If anyone has questions about their account or needs to reset their PIN or renew a card that has expired, they can email for assistance: medref@jcls.orgor ashlib@jcls.org. Staff are monitoring email and generally responding within 24 to 48 hours.
Important: Please keep your borrowed items and donations at home for now.
AND Ashland Branch Manager Kristin Anderson wants you to know that the Ashland team misses you and looks forward to the day they can reopen the library to serve your needs.