News
April 21, 2020National Library Week 2020 Schenectady County Public Library
April 19-25, 2020 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the valuable role libraries play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. Karen Bradley, Director of the Schenectady County Public Library states, “This years theme was modified in response to the global pandemic, to “Find the Library at your Place” to bring attention to how our libraries are open for business online, offering the electronic services and digital content our community needs now more than ever. While the library’s physical spaces may be temporarily closed due to COVID-19, the public can discover eBooks, movies, music, YouTube story times and more—all from home by visiting www.scpl.org. In times of crisis, libraries respond to their community’s needs in innovative and inspiring ways, but what we are experiencing as a nation is unprecedented. ”
As the County library system prepared to close their doors to the public on Saturday, March 14, 2020, library staff were called upon to assist at the County Public Health Services Call Center and ten days later, were called to also serve at the COVID-19 Emergency Response Coalition Call Center managing community calls for food, supplies and information. “The great library staff is not only keeping their hands in library maintenance, but more importantly, they are volunteering behind the scenes to meet the urgent needs of the people of Schenectady County.,” Board of Trustees President Bill Levering reports.
With library doors shut, a significant shift has occurred to the library’s digital collection involving Overdrive and Hoopla. OverDrive is providing access to any mobile phone number with a billing zip code in Schenectady County. For those not having a library card, patrons may sign up for one online to access Hoopla Engage, a new service providing access to those without a library card based on verified zip code in the library service area. Hoopla is also offering a “Bonus Borrows” program of 1100 selected titles for which there is no charge to the library and does not count against monthly limits. “We’ve seen a 226% increase in new users, and a 162% increase in circulation for March of 2020 over March 2019. We are on track for a 268% increase in new users and 208% increase in circulation in April of 2020 over April of 2019,” according to Library Director Bradley.
The Adult Services Department has a link on the home page of www.scpl.org for patrons to use who may be needing information or questions that will send an email to scp-askus@sals.edu. In addition there is a consolidated list of information related to COVID-19 covering emergency child care, finance, food, health and safety, a list of frequently asked library related questions, and a listing of resources for youth and families.
Story times have moved online and starting this week, families with young children are invited to access literacy rich activities through the library’s YouTube channel on Tuesday, April 21, Wednesday, April 22, and Thursday, April 23 at 10:00 am. Virtual Lego building, STEAM activities, and teen programs are set to follow. Families can learn more by visiting the library website or the SCPL Youth & Families Facebook Group.
Tuesday, April 21, 2020 the library is launching the #schenectadystrong2020 arts program, in collaboration with C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios and Kids Art Festival. The goal of the program is to provide a means for the community to share via either the written word, whether it is poetry or prose, or the visual arts, their love and support during the unprecedented challenges our global community faces, “What joys, fears, challenges, and discoveries have community members encountered and what are people most grateful for and what do they miss the most? During these times when we are staying apart, this is one way we can keep connected,” said Heather Hutchison of C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios, who noted that in honor of Mental Health awareness month in May, C.R.E.A.T.E. is honoring how art has helped the community deal with the challenges of isolation.
Community members are invited to submit photos of themselves or their families doing something, photograph something interesting or inspirational in their home, chalk an inspirational quote or poem of your own creation and take a picture of it for the #walkpoetry initiative, submit a video expressing joy, frustration, hope or everyday life and thank healthcare workers, delivery people and so many folks working to help keep us safe. Submissions may be done in one of three ways:
- Upload a photo/scan of your art to the Facebook group #schenectadystrong2020 Art Project
- Email a photo/scan of your art to: schenectadystrong2020@gmail.com
- Mail your physical art to: Schenectady County Public Library, ATTN: #schenectadystrong2020, 99 Clinton St., Schenectady, NY 12305
For more information, visit the library’s website at www.scpl.org.
