This week, April 4-10, is National Library Week! The American Library Association says it is a “time to celebrate our nation's libraries, library workers' contributions and promote library use and support.” And as we look back on a year that has been remarkable for all people and institutions, including our local library, it is perhaps a good time to reflect on some of the challenges they’ve encountered and how they are welcoming the future.
A little over a year ago, when COVID effectively shut down many sectors of the country, libraries faced tough decisions. How could they keep providing their crucial services despite a global pandemic that made delivering those services very difficult? People come to libraries to touch materials, use public computers and interact in a confined space. How could they push forward?
At the Clarion Public Library, Library Director Linda Lloyd says they kept pushing through, even early on in the pandemic. She says they were closed only a day or two, but then, she was back in the library figuring things out.
Even though patrons could not come in the library, that does not mean they could not get library materials. They began offering front door service almost immediately. Lloyd explains that patrons would call in with book requests and they would prepare and leave them at the door for people to pick up. Lloyd confirms that several people a day request books and materials. She adds that often people tell the staff to pick out books for them or just gives a genre.
The library staff says this has been a fun and educational activity as they get to learn the reading habits of patrons and get introduced to a few new book ideas themselves. Librarian Wyatt Haas asserted, “I now have a different feel for how people read and pick out books. I even find myself trying books I normally would not have because I’ve seen them while grabbing them for others.”
During this time, the library also continued to get new materials. New books and DVDs gave patrons the latest options for entertainment. They also decided to waive fees for late returns for the most part. Lloyd said, “Overall, everyone has been really thankful about the services we still offered during this time.”
The library also continued to offer copying and faxing services though being closed to foot traffic. And as they often pointed out, people could use their WiFi even from the parking lot.
The staff also kept busy in other ways. Even though the traditional summer reading program couldn’t really happen last year, they still offered take home activities and worked to engage patrons and kids on social media. “That is one area we did develop in,” said Lloyd. “We worked on using social media a lot more.”
Another project that the staff worked on that they are looking forward to sharing is the complete rearrangement of the floorplan of the library. Lloyd explained they redesigned the flow with distancing and convenience in mind. The children’s section was moved across the library and is looking fresh and bright. They also added new signage to make locating materials easier.
Lloyd and the rest of the staff look forward to welcoming patrons in to see the changes. The library is now open by appointment on most days. People can call ahead to come in and browse for materials. You can call 515-532-3673 to schedule a time. Lloyd said many people are taking advantage of this and that they are happy to see patrons face to face.
As they mark National Library Week this week, the library is offering activity packets with crayons, fun activities and even a book to take home. These are available while supplies last.
Lloyd also said they are planning for a summer reading program throughout June and July. The theme this year is “Reading Colors Your World.” They are hoping to bring in performers, including a family juggling act in July. By then, Lloyd hopes that the library will be open to a larger scale and things look a little more normal.
Until then, the staff at the Clarion Public Library encourages people to continue to use their services and even come in to check out all the fun changes and developments. After all, the theme of National Library Week is “Welcome to Your Library!”
