Libraries and Their Communities During COVID

05/07/2021

"Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life."  -Sidney Sheldon

A library is a space of infinite possibilities. Walking through the door, a reader is transported to a place where anything can happen, and where anything can be learned. Even in this digital age, libraries provide the best resources for communities to not only gain knowledge and whet the imagination, but also to gather, to create, to commune. 

According to historical records, the Darby Free Library in Darby, Pennsylvania, holds the title of being the oldest continuously operating free library in the United States[1]. It was begun by the Quakers as a place to congregate and learn, and has been serving the public since 1743. Although its roots are in circulating books, it, like most libraries has evolved into a space that offers not only reading materials, but children’s programs, maker space, author events and more. This is seen in libraries across the country, as the concept of what a library is changes and grows to serve each library’s community.

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, libraries have had to completely rethink how they serve their patrons, including their youngest readers. Instead of in-person Story Hours, the Milwaukee Public Library System has set up online Reading Buddies, where a librarian is virtually paired with a child to read together via Google Meet, as well as virtual Pajama Story Time. They’ve added a virtual “Teacher in the Library” time for kids to get assistance with class assignments and get encouragement. In McMurray, Pennsylvania, youth services librarian Sydney Krawiec at Peters Township Public Library created an online Harry Potter-themed virtual escape room using Google Docs[2]. Iowa’s Cherokee Public Library took their popular esports program online so kids can keep playing in a contactless environment[3]. Virginia’s Montgomery County Public School District partnered with a drone delivery company to get books checked out and into the hands of student, bringing “air mail” to new heights[4].

As community centers, libraries have long provided services like computer use, internet access, eBooks and more. These services have been limited in a few instances, such as in-person computer use, but, based on an ALA recommendation, many libraries have kept their Wi-Fi on, even during library closures, making sure that people who need it can still get access[5].  The ALA has also served as a resource center for libraries nationwide, providing everything from on-line seminars on employment and caregiving to state-by-state recovery and reopening plans[6].

In 2014, author Shannon Mattern suggested thinking of libraries as infrastructure. She stated, “I propose that thinking about the library as a network of integrated, mutually reinforcing, evolving infrastructures — in particular, architectural, technological, social, epistemological and ethical infrastructures — can help us better identify what roles we want our libraries to serve, and what we can reasonably expect of them.”[7] This interesting twist on the characterization of what a library is makes perfect sense during this pandemic.  Libraries are as essential to the communities they serve as roadways, public water utilities and electricity. When considered in this manner, it is easy for even those who do not work in a library to understand why the changes in ways to continue the mission of the library were so critically important. Just as the electric company has had to adapt to how to serve its customers, including suspending disconnection and reviewing repair protocols during COVID[8], so have libraries taken measures to continue to “keep the lights on” for their patrons, even the youngest.

Hats off to our schools and libraries, our essential librarians and teachers, and all involved who made sure children’s imaginations continued to be fueled during this global pandemic. You’ve all done a yeoman’s job of continuing to provide your communities with the multiple services and resources they depend on. Thank you for all that you do.