Virtual programs a big success
Published July 22, 2020
By DAN TOMASELLO
(Courtesy Photo)
LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield Public Library’s sidewalk service and virtual programs have been a big hit with the community.
Library Director Jen Inglis recalled that the library has been open for its sidewalk service program as well as calls and emails since June 6. She said residents are now able to make appointments to visit the library for short periods, which started on Monday, July 20.
“These are on a strict schedule, with small numbers, at a few times during the week so that we can see how our plan of operations looks,” said Inglis in an email sent to the Villager. “After a few weeks, we will evaluate and consider expanding these hours. Right now, we have appointments on Monday evenings, Wednesdays during the day and Friday mornings. Patrons can call us or email lfd@noblenet.org, and one of our Reference librarians will schedule the appointment. These appointments have a strict limit of 45 minutes.”
Inglis said visitors to the library will only be allowed to use its computers, scanner and photocopier during their visit. She also said residents who don’t have air conditioning will be able to book an appointment to use the library as a “cooling center to get out of the heat.”
“These visits will also be limited to 45 minutes, and patrons will be directed to sit at one of our tables for the entire visit,” said Inglis. “Our sidewalk service is provided on alternating days, so we are providing access to the collection through pick-ups on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.”
While Inglis and staff members are looking forward to welcoming back people to the library, she said, “We want to make sure that people know that things are very different.”
“We have strict rules that we are going to ask people to follow, including properly wearing face coverings, using hand sanitizer when they come in and cleaning up the surfaces they touch,” said Inglis. “We all wish that we could just open our doors and go back to normal, but we also know that isn’t going to happen for awhile. If someone isn’t comfortable coming to the library, we totally understand. We hope you will take advantage of our virtual programming, digital resources for books, movies, online learning and our sidewalk service, which we have worked really hard to be as seamless and contactless as possible. If someone needs to have materials delivered, they can email me directly at jinglis@noblenet.org or lfd@noblenet.org, and we’ll make it happen.”
Inglis noted the library is currently offering a variety of virtual programs, including its highly popular Summer Reading program for children and adults.
“We have so much great stuff going on,” said Inglis. “We have Pop Up Art School for kids and for teens, music programming, story times and chapter book read-alouds by our Youth Services team. For adults, we have our popular and timely mindfulness activities on Thursdays, programs by a sommelier and a popular travel writer, and another Konmari method workshop. We will also have a variety of art and craft projects that people can register for and pick up during sidewalk service.”
Inglis said the virtual programs are similar to the in-person programs the library offered prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During the summer, we try to make them extra fun by having contests for the annual Summer Reading program for kids and adults,” said Inglis. “We have reading logs and bingo cards, and people who fill these out will have a chance to win prizes. I want to thank the Friends of the Lynnfield Public Library for helping make the Summer Reading program happen even in a pandemic.”
Inglis said people have to take certain steps in order to register for virtual programs.
“First, people should register for events on our online calendar accessible from our website or at https://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/L/LYNNFIELD/ekp.cfm?curOrg=LYNNFIELD,” said Inglis. “Some programs have links directly to watch from the calendar. Second, if the program requires a link to watch on Zoom, we will send that link in a separate email the day of the program.”
Inglis said the library will be expanding its sidewalk service program in August.
“We are planning to add morning hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays sometime in August,” said Inglis. “Our sidewalk service program is super popular, but it takes a lot of time and space in the library, so we need to do it strategically. Between our Circulation and Reference teams, we took or made 1,900 calls and emails in June. We are also planning to launch a way for people to select their own sidewalk service appointments online.”
Townspeople can request materials for the sidewalk service program by calling 781-334-5411 or sending an email to lfd@noblenet.org.
Inglis said the library is unable to accept donations at this time.
“The Friends of the Lynnfield Public Library are thinking about creative ways to do book sales, but we absolutely can’t take donations,” said Inglis. “We are accepting returns of materials, but they need to be dropped off during sidewalk service. We have to quarantine items, and items are put into special red bins so that the staff does not handle them before the quarantine period is over. Items are quarantined for at least 72 hours, and may remain on accounts for a little longer before we have a chance to check them in. No fines are accrued during this time.”
