Library Adapts to Pandemic Curveball

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  • Library Adapts to Pandemic Curveball
    Library Adapts to Pandemic Curveball
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With all the welcome and unwelcome surprises 2020 had in store, the Watonga Public Library continues to do everything it can to make sure customer needs are met.

With Covid-19 guidelines in place, such as staying six feet apart, wearing masks, and using hand sanitizer, the library continues to try and operate as it normally does.

“We want our customers to know that we are striving to create a safe, clean environment,” said Terri Crawford, library director. “We are willing to work with customers to provide materials and services in whatever way they are comfortable.”

While the library still offers traditional options like print materials, magazines, DVDs, etc., the ability to check out downloadable eBooks and audiobooks is also available thanks to the OK Virtual consortium.

Joining the consortium in 2010 and being one of the first few libraries to do so, the library offers more than 60,000 eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and video to customers across the state.

Earlier in the 2020, while summer programming plans were being drawn out, it was decided that all programs would need to be virtual.

“Staff quickly started planning another type of summer which involved purchasing and learning software for online reading logs and incentives,” Crawford said.

One of the programs that were transitioned to virtual is Mother Goose Story Time run by children’s librarian Karen Gilliland.

This program allows children to listen and participate in interactive stories with things such as sing-alongs included.

“Being able to still provide Storytimes for our preschoolers in daycares, Headstart and Pre-K during this time has been very important. Prerecording and sending links so they can participate at their convenience keeps the library a part of their routine,” Gilliland said. “For the stay-at-home preschoolers, providing a live Storytime once a week has kept us in touch with the children as well as the parents.”

A new camera, backdrop, and ring light were purchased for Mother Goose Story Time and staff also learned new software and methods to better deliver information.

A new learning database was also purchased by the library in order to provide customers with online classes.

With more than 500 online classes available, some of these include Teacher Resources, How To/Do It Yourself, Mathematics, Language Arts, Crafts and Hobbies, History, Health and Medicine, and Computer Training.

While programs were transitioned to virtual, some events had to be canceled such as the The Friends of the Library book sale.

However, a special grab bag sale was planned in its place instead. This event included a rack of books where customers could pick from a rack of books to fill a grocery bag, which would cost them $5.

A scavenger hunt was held where participants could find bags placed around Watonga containing a book and instructions to call the library to be entered into a drawing.

A drawing for two $25 gift certificates also was held.

“Of course, we miss our customers and hope things will be more normal in 2021, but if not, we are prepared to offer the same excellent level of services which worked well in 2020,” Crawford said. “Libraries have always been very adaptable and work to meet the changing needs of the community. Watonga Public Library is no exception.”

The library is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm. For more information about these services you can visit the Watonga Public Library website or Facebook page or by calling the library at 580-623-7748.