COVID-19 has changed a lot about how libraries operate, but it won’t stop them from lending.
Eastern Counties Regional Library CEO Laura Emery says that goal remains the same.
She says they’ve added digital library services, borrow by mail, and curbside pickup, at some locations.
Emery tells The Hawk it’s all to protect the safety of users.
“The library serves a lot of seniors and vulnerable populations,” she says. “We just want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to keep everybody well.”
She says they’re currently working to expand curbside pickup to as many ECRL locations as possible.
Emery says the next project they’re preparing for is library by appointment, where you can book half hour sessions inside a library.
She says there’ll be significant cleaning in between visits.
“We don’t want to see anyone harmed by going to the library,” she says. “We really do have to use an abundance of caution because we do serve so many seniors and so many people that we want to make sure we take care of.”
Emery says that program should be rolling out in early August.
