Families are bringing their children out to read at the park when they are otherwise stuck at home. No … In other communities, libraries and park and recreation professionals are finding other ways to work together to promote engagement in parks and green spaces during the pandemic. Book return drop boxes Thursdays/Fridays — all branches Those who participated all agreed that they’d love to do it again.”. This poetry scavenger hunt challenges teens to find famous poems online, then answer questions about the poem. Eventually, it was determined that posting each island’s Dodo Code 30 minutes before the start of the program was the most straightforward way to invite patrons to visit library islands. Record DIY programs from your kitchen Ex: Greener cleaners, natural deodorant, cooking, flower arranging, etc. Learn strategies to diversify funding with this guide. Share information about the services your library is currently offering in the Oregon Library Services Status Google sheet. At almost the same moment in time, staff from the Tempe, Arizona, library and park and recreation agency were at work on their own unified virtual programming platform. Shifrin also utilized the private chat feature in Zoom for teams to chat before responding to the question. “While there continues to be no confirmed cases in West Virginia, our library is prepared to be an information hub for the community,” Murphy said… Simply close and relaunch your preferred browser to log-in. There are some unexpected silver linings during this time.”. The first, called simply “Teen Internet Scavenger Hunt,” was created in Google Forms for participants ages 11 to 18 and asked questions about various authors and about the library’s website. Shifrin put the questions together on Google slides, with questions directly followed by answers. Libraries across the country continue to offer similar services in partnership with parks and recreation. King called the program successful in “two unique ways.” Staff members opening their island to patrons include “librarians, administrators, library aides, and substitutes. Send a web link or a copy of your policies, procedures, or other documents and we will get them posted!. King reported that KPL had “dabbled” in online programming in the past, but because of the library system’s closure due to Covid-19, it was clear “we had to redouble those efforts.” In communicating with staff during the first week of the closure, many mentioned playing the new Animal Crossing game for Nintendo Switch, which led to a conversation about turning the game into a program and a call to staff for willing participants. An ABC affiliate in Philadelphia reported on this new library service: “It has become particularly useful during this time of social distancing to avoid further spread of COVID-19. Across the country, librarians continue working with park and recreation professionals on StoryWalk® programming, which combines literacy and nature education by placing pages of storybooks along trails — typically in parks or along greenways. Across the country, libraries are closed to the public to limit the spread of Covid-19. There’s an added incentive to win gift cards to Play It Again Sports in their town and free entry into the Town of Farmville’s 6th annual 5K & Fun Run to be held in the fall. I was afraid the teens wouldn’t see it.” Jones reported that 24 teens participated in the program, which is comparable to her in-person programming during the library’s summer reading program. If anything, I feel this crisis has challenged all of us to reach people in a different way and to do what we do best: assisting, helping, and providing a variety of services to our communities any way we can.”, While closed to the public, Westland Public Library in Westland, Mich., has been hosting weekly social media challenges for teens. Northeast Document Conservation Center Disinfecting Circulating Books. Though our buildings are closed due to the unpredictable and harmful spread of COVID-19, Multnomah County Library has been expanding existing services and standing up new ones to ensure you can access library services when you need us most. Bengson said that TAB chose a Tuesday evening as “the school gives [students] a day off on Wednesdays to catch up with their virtually assigned schoolwork.”, According to Bengson, “This was the first time I’ve tried anything like this. Category topics included “Name That Musical,” “Name That Phobia,” and “Weird Fruit Facts.” An e-gift card was sent to the winner. On April 21, 2020, the American Library Association published “7 Ways to Celebrate Nature while Social Distancing,” focusing on simple things people can do in their backyards, neighborhoods and parks to celebrate Earth Day and stay engaged with greenspaces during the pandemic. “I learned that if an Instagram user wasn’t following our account, we wouldn’t receive any notification that they tagged us,” she said. Library Services During Covid-19. In Eastern Tennessee, the City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation and Carter County Public Library teamed up to host a quarantine photo contest. Silver Streaming is coming to you LIVE every week with FREE Fitness and Knowledge classes through our Facebook page!” Tuesdays feature free fitness programs sponsored by the park and recreation department and Thursdays feature lifelong learning programming by the library. Right out of the gate, I found park and recreation agencies collaborating with public libraries for a unified response. Staff worked remotely to ensure that patrons still has access to library cards, materials, programs and more. National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) 22377 Belmont Ridge Road Ashburn, VA 20148-4501 PH: 800.626.NRPA (6772)Contact Us. One patron even “created his own Kalamazoo Public Library shirt, complete with logo.”, “In regard to measuring a program’s success,” King said, “anything that can elicit so much joy in both staff and patrons during a worldwide crisis is a victory.”. Subscribers: to set up your digital access click here. Community members are encouraged to post photos of their favorite spaces while staying at home to the City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page. Library building closures widen a chronic digital divide. The virtual trivia night took place on April 21 from 5:30–7:00. At Florence Lauderdale Public Library in Florence, Ala., young adult librarian Kristen Tippett Briggs created two online scavenger hunts. Examples of library plans, policies and procedures for services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to increasing community spread of COVID-19, we have made changes to services and operations with staff and community health and safety as our top priority. Her biggest obstacle, Bengson said, was figuring out the technology, but coworkers helped her run beta tests. “Normally this wouldn’t be a concern because we would be interacting with participants in person,” she said, “but we wanted to make sure that prizes were awarded to teens.” During the first challenge, Sype found that there was also a learning curve with Instagram. She also struggles to promote programs, as, historically, teens seem not to check the library’s website or social media about upcoming events, opting instead to ask Shifrin when visiting the library. This week, the library is hosting a “Virtual Art Show,” while next week will feature a “Get Active Challenge.” Each week, one winner is selected at random to receive a $25 Amazon e-gift card. Programs at the library, especially the … Briggs was happy with the response the scavenger hunts have received, saying that the number of participants exceeded her expectations.” While virtual events are uncharted territory for Briggs, she said that “this situation has afforded [the library staff] a great opportunity to explore a new avenue to reach our community, especially our teens.” New to her position and concerned about losing her budding relationship with the community, Briggs was eager to try something new: “People are noticing and realizing that the library isn’t just about being in a physical building. Since posting the first challenge, the library has noticed a large increase in account followers, specifically teens, with 12 teens submitting challenge entries, which is “around the number of teens [the library] usually has attend physical programs.” Sype plans to continue to track how many submissions each challenge receives and new account followers to help measure the success and impact of the program, but said, “ultimately, if we’re able to get a few submissions for each challenge, we will consider it a success.”. Find the most up-to-date information about the current services and ways you can connect with Boise Public Library below. Youth and teen librarian Nicole Sype said she hasn’t used social media for programs like this before, but she’s “excited for the opportunity to reach teens where they are.”, One unanticipated obstacle Sype encountered was verifying that photos were submitted by teen and their parents. According to the Central for Disease Control (CDC), 8 out of 10 deaths related to COVID-19 are individuals aged 65 years and older. In the future, however, she plans to use a paid Zoom account, so the library won’t be limited by the 40-minute sessions available with a free account. PW has compiled five innovative approaches to teen programming, including fresh takes on trivia, gaming, scavenger hunts, and social media challenges. Through the new Farmville Moves at Home Program the library and park and recreation department are encouraging everyone, regardless of fitness level, to work towards better health and fitness by walking, jogging, running or participating in any form of exercise. A free program that teaches children and teens how to deal with depression, anxiety and other mental health issues is being offered by the Richmond Public Library (RPL) in January. Current Services. Services during COVID All four library branches in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek are offering multiple services while buildings are restricted due to health concerns. San Diego County public health officials have reported 2,509 COVID … If you don’t have LEGOS, we will have a few grab bags available at the library that you can pick up to complete the challenge. “Anyone who plays Animal Crossing: New Horizon knows that exploring news islands, seeing what others have built, and collecting new items is, in itself the best prize!,” said Kevin King, head of community engagement. PW “All Access” site license members have access to PW’s subscriber-only website content. While not a complete list, and we are adding more services, here are some of the ways we are continuing to serve the community: Staff are also rostered to our Ask A Librarian live service via Facebook and Twitter with staff answering a range of questions centred primarily on tech help to connect with our current programs or eResources. “I now specify that they need to follow us before sharing their photo.”, Before the library shutdown, Sype reported that there were “very few teens” following the library on social media and “almost none interacting” with library posts. With 10 participants, Bengson feels the program was a success, noting that “while those aren’t huge numbers, they are very good numbers during this unusual time.” She reported that the library’s last event planned by TAB had 23 attendees, which is “on the large side” for her library. The union representing Chicago Public Library employees urged aldermen to shut down the system’s 80 libraries during a second wave of COVID-19 infections that have only grown in the days since Thanksgiving. Society of American Archivists Resources for Response to COVID-19 Health Crisis. The two entities came together to map safe walking routes that begin at the library — many of which go to parks — and to encourage community members to use them. Kalamazoo Public Library in Kalamazoo, Mich., is hosting a weekly program they’ve dubbed Animal Crossing with KPL Staff, in the hope that, for an hour each week, “patrons can not only escape from the worries of the Covid-19 pandemic, but also “talk” to library staff or make some new friends. To limit exposure of the virus to you and your loved ones, library staff are diligently working on offering more services through contactless ways. Unable to open their doors to their communities, youth services librarians have taken their programs … The library launched an “Urban Hikes Challenge” which asks people to complete five hikes and send selfies from the library and the hike destinations. The participants sent answers via “chat,” making it easy to see who answered fastest and to award bonus points. New after-school program In response to COVID, we have revamped our free after-school program into STEAM enrichment kits, STEAM standing for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, for ages five and up. Make a difference in communities around the country and share your ideas at the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Choosing a Career in Parks and Recreation, Park and Recreation Maintenance Management School, Revenue Development and Management School, NRPA Marketing and Communications Certificate, NRPA Aquatic Management Professional Certificate, Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Certification, Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Certification, Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) Certification, Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification, AFO Virtual Course | 8:00AM - 5:00PM MST | Arizona Parks and Recreation Association, AFO Virtual Course | 8:00AM - 5:00PM CT | Parting Waters, LLC, AFO Virtual Course | 8:30AM - 5:30PM ET | Wakeley Aquatics, NRPA Innovation Labs: Sponsorship Opportunities, How Public Libraries Are Helping Us Find Nature During the Crisis, City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page, 7 Ways to Celebrate Nature while Social Distancing, Emerging Trends in Parks and Recreation — January Bonus Episode, How Farmers Markets Benefit the Whole Community — Episode 80, Expanding Recreational Opportunities to Underinvested Communities, Parks and Recreation and Libraries Working Together During the COVID-19 Pandemic. There are plans to keep the stroll active until the library reopens, refreshing the choice of book every Friday. Submit your education session proposals by January 8, 2021. For more information about NRPA’s response to COVID-19, as well as available resources for park and recreation professionals, please visit the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) webpage. Because of COVID, the Torrington Library closed to the public on March 13th. Some libraries have hosted online scavenger hunts designed for teen patrons. In Oak Park, Illinois, on March 11, 2020, the village’s two school districts joined forces with Oak Park Public Library and the Park District of Oak Park to make … With a mission to serve children first, librarians have helped develop plans and brought in engaging new tools for learning that … As of Friday morning, Elkins-Randolph County Public Library in northeast West Virginia was on a “hurry up and wait status” but had not canceled programs or services, said Library Director Stephanie Murphy. Our city’s online library provided the use of books via the Internet, and I was able to read my clothing design books for free. It seems like every teacher and every school has slightly different times when they are doing “live” classes or office hours, so that has been difficult to navigate, especially in my newly changed daily schedule,” Shifrin said. Library Questions During the COVID-19 Pandemic December 21 Update Is the library open? Ask a Librarian Service. 5 thoughts on “ What it Means to be a Library During COVID-19 ” Pingback: National Emergency Library Weekly Update: 5/11 - Internet Archive Blogs. If you are not already working with your local library on virtual programming or promoting engagement in nature, now is the perfect time to start! In response to the continued upward trend of COVID-19 cases in Gallatin County the Bozeman Public Library will move to back to curbside, virtual and telephone services only starting Friday, November 13, 2020. It is not often you get such a diverse group of staff, from different departments, assisting with a program.” Second, more than 20 “island hoppers” traveled between four islands, playing games with KPL staff, trading items, and playing magical chairs. According to Anne Ferguson, who developed the idea at a public library in Vermont around 2007, a StoryWalk® is “an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! SD County Reports 2,509 New COVID-19 Cases, 27 More Deaths –5:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. The NRPA Directors School is an exclusive two-year professional development opportunity that prepares new and potential park and recreation directors to be effective leaders. In Michigan at the Clarkston Independence District Library, teen librarian Alayna Jones hosted a “Quaranteen” Online Scavenger Hunt for teens in grades six through 12 as a way to stay connected and help them navigate the library’s online resources if they needed them. Elsewhere, in rural eastern North Carolina, the Farmville Public Library moved its annual Farmville Moves collaboration with Farmville Parks & Recreation into cyberspace. Across the country, libraries are closed to the public to limit the spread of Covid-19. As of December 21, all HPL branches are open for holds pickup, computer access* and use of printers, scanner, fax and Central Makerspace takeout service. The Field Guide delivers suppliers, vendors and service providers to park and recreation agencies throughout the United States and Canada. Guidance for Managing Federal Depository Library Collections Safely During COVID-19. Posts will include health information, government resources, as well as educational materials for you and your child - if it's out there, we'll find it! The Library will not be open to the public for browsing during this period due to … In Bowling Green, Kentucky, the Warren County Public Library announced on April 6: “We are so excited to share our newest online program in partnership with Warren County Parks and Recreation Department! COVID spike prompts Westport Library to scale back building access ... “The library’s outstanding digital resources and virtual programs are also invaluable resources during … Learn more in the blog post “How Public Libraries Are Helping Us Find Nature During the Crisis” published on the Children & Nature Network’s website. Right out of the gate, I found park and recreation agencies collaborating with public libraries for a unified response. Noah Lenstra is an Assistant Professor of Library and Information Science at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Reach out to your local library and get the conversation started. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan. “Ohio was already on stay at home orders at that time,” said teen services librarian Diane Bengson, but she continued to hold Google Hangout meetings with the teen advisory board (TAB), who helped finish planning the event and decided to host the program online. Your library is here for you. © 2020 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Every spring in Farmville, the library and park and recreation department work together to inspire residents of this small town of 4,654 to get active and train together for a 5K. As the COVID-19 pandemic has spread throughout the United States, I have been actively tracking how public libraries have responded. At the national level, the American Library Association has also helped public libraries do their part to keep their patrons connected to nature. Whether providing resources to students, backing teachers or pushing the bounds of innovation, this cadre of essential but often underappreciated stars has been called on to deliver increasing levels of support in K-12 schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Library Services During COVID-19 The health and safety of the community is the library's first priority in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. The library has offered a variety of online and in-person events this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a fully online summer reading program … Fundraising can be daunting — NRPA’s comprehensive Park and Recreation Professionals’ Guide to Fundraising can help. 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