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“Story Stroll” is just one of the activities Rock County librarians have initiated under pandemic conditions to keep patrons engaged in their local library.
Last week children’s librarian Bronwyn Wenzel placed 33 storybook placards along the front and east side of the library for anyone strolling by to enjoy reading.
“We are hoping to put out a new story monthly,” Wenzel said. “Each story will be displayed for a few days during one week.”
Last week’s story was “In the Tall, Tall Grass,” by Denise Fleming.
Wenzel said the Story Stroll captures two things for the library. “People are outside a lot these days – and to promote literacy,” she said.
The library continues to operate under pandemic precautions with limits of 10 patrons in the building at any given time.
A “Library is Open” link on the library’s webpage allows visitors to make appointments. The “No Wait Inside” software helps the library maintain the 10-person limit.
“We especially encourage large groups, like daycares, to make an appointment or call ahead,” said library director Calla Jarvie.
With the coronavirus pandemic closing the library this spring, staff prepared for the reopening with a “total re-think to programming,” according to Jarvie.
Prior to the pandemic, library patronage was increasing primarily due to in-person events such as Wenzel’s weekly story times and the summer reading program using guests to fuel interest in checking out books and other materials.
The library’s largest in-person events, Trivia Nights, are on hold for now. Trivia questions are now on the library’s Facebook page.
“We’ve had to become more creative, like Bronwyn’s virtual story times and the take-and-make crafts,” Jarvie said.
“We missed our patrons — that’s why we exist after all. We are happy to be able to open safely, even if that does mean limiting people and foregoing in-person programming.”
Materials can still be requested with each item undergoing a thorough sanitation process before being placed on the shelf or lent out. Inside the library, after each patron, the various counter surfaces are also sanitized.
“We want the library to be safe for our patrons,” she said.
Jarvie said the library’s e-book and e-audiobook options have seen an increase since the pandemic began.
In June Rock County users checked out 591 e-books or e-audiobook options compared to 512 a year ago.
Plum Creek Library System, of which Rock County Library is a member, recently received a grant to increase the size of the online selections.
Checkout of other library items has also increased.
“The telescope has been popular, because it’s something families can do while social distancing,” Jarvie said.
“We also have a metal detector for great social-distancing outdoor fun.”
Jarvie welcomes book requests or any kind of virtual programing or special collection suggestions.
The librarians are also preparing for the library reopening without limits on in-person patronage.
“We hope to restart programs like Trivia Night again,” Jarvie said. “But not until it’s safe to do so.”