LYME — Libraries around the Upper Valley may be closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are still working to serve patrons through online resources and curbside pickup of library materials.
“We’re trying to balance connection with patrons and keeping our distance. We’re trying to keep everyone safe. It’s been so hard for librarians. The fiber of our being is connecting with people,” said Amy Lappin, deputy director of the Lebanon Public Libraries who also serves as president of the New Hampshire Library Association. “Having to shut down our building, it’s emotionally draining for many of us.”
But that hasn’t stopped librarians from reaching out to patrons and finding new ways to connect.
“We are by definition closed to the public in that we’re not unlocking the doors, but were continuing to offer as many traditional services as we can,” said Judy Russell, library director of Lyme’s Converse Free Library.
Beginning Monday, patrons could contact the library to request books, DVDs and other items, including audiobooks. They also can request books on a particular theme — beach reads, for example — and library staff will put together a selection for them.
“People can drive up into our parking lot and we’ll be there with their material, which we have cleaned and packed for them,” Russell said during a phone interview Tuesday. “We’re trying to make it as noncontact as possible, but we still have a moment to say hello.”
On Monday alone, about 20 requests were placed and the library lent out close to 100 items, Russell said, including to parents who are now home-schooling their children.
The Fairlee Public Library is also offering curbside pickup during the days that it is open.
“Whatever materials they’re looking for, I want to get to them,” said library director Samantha Hickman during a phone interview on Tuesday. She has been disinfecting items as they are returned to the library.
As library doors have remained closed, it’s become even clearer how much patrons rely on them for more than just the latest Archer Mayor mystery. As she spoke on the phone, Hickman observed a patron sitting in a car in the parking lot who had emailed her earlier that day asking about the library’s internet access because she needed to use it for a remote conference.
“People are taking advantage of that Wi-Fi,” Hickman said.
During this time of year, people often stop by the library to print out tax documents, and it’s a service that Hickman will keep providing.
Like other libraries in the area, Hickman also is allowing people to apply for library cards remotely so that they can take advantage of online services such as downloadable e-books and audiobooks.
Staffers at the Howe Library are brainstorming ideas such as moving book discussions to online video services like Zoom or recording video clips of book recommendations.
“This is part of their social interaction,” Rubi Simon, director of the Howe, said of the library’s events.
Lebanon libraries also are looking into new ways to connect with patrons, including livestreaming children’s story times, Lappin said. Staff are using it as an opportunity to promote existing digital resources.
“The community is really coming around to thinking creatively about things. If there’s any silver lining it’s how can we connect people at this time?” Lappin said. “Just because our physical doors are closed doesn’t mean we’re closed.”
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
