The Albany County Public Library has worked hard to continue providing valuable services for families during the COVID-19 pandemic. “One of our keywords right now is ‘pivot’. We just have to keep pivoting to go along with each new change that comes along,” says Youth Services Librarian Monica Owens.
As the pandemic has continued to evolve and along with it the closures and restrictions in Laramie, the library and it’s staff have made a coordinated effort to keep offering what they can to the community. “We realized that families were going to be kind of ‘Zoomed’ out and tired of the online component. However, on the flip side that was kind of what we were limited to doing,” says Owens. She, along with the other librarians have attempted to keep a balance of both options. They are currently offering online content such as filmed story times, which can be found at youtube.acplwy.org. E-books are also available through their website, https://www.acplwy.org/.
Owens explains that the library has also found many ways to keep providing hands on things for families and children to do. “We’ve tried as much as possible to offer the same services as we would in the building by making adjustments where we can.” They currently offer curbside pick up, along with a “Grab and Go” option for families to reserve their books online and pick them up from the library during open hours. They have also continued to offer activity kits for children of all ages that are built on a different theme each week. They also provide a different story walk for families to do together weekly. These walks include a book with each page displayed separately along the sidewalk that runs around the block.
The Youth Services librarians have also worked to create a more streamlined way for families to request books to pick up for their children. They have created a new email account for parents to get in touch with them with any questions, as well as to request help choosing books according to their child’s age or interests. You can reach them at children@acplwy.org.
Due to the most recent county closures, the library is currently only offering in person browsing and computer usage by appointment.
Owens wants patrons of the library to expect frequent changes, but also wants people to know how much they value the support of the community. “We appreciate the patience of the public so much. We have gotten so many positive comments, so much thanks, and you have no idea how much that means to us.”
To find what services the library is currently offering, as well as up to date information on closures and restrictions, visit their website: https://www.acplwy.org/ or follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acpls.