The Scranton library is remaining closed right now due to the COVID-19 virus. Many of our patrons and staff are in a group that includes a higher possibility of complications from this virus. With that in mind, we have chosen to remain closed and continue to discuss how/when we will be able to open in the future. This is a difficult decision and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we try to navigate how the library can best help our community.
The library building has been closed to the public, so what kinds of things are librarians doing inside the library? I have been able to finish some administrative duties at the library, like an inventory of all the materials in the library and weeding a few sections that needed some spring cleaning. I have also been able to work on some reorganization of information needed for yearly and monthly reports. I have been able to work on the library’s website and Facebook pages. I have been ordering and cataloging new books and books that were donated to the library.
Our Iowa history section needed some attention and a little bit of TLC. This has been a pet project of mine since I started working at the library that always seemed to get pushed to the back burner. Now, I am happy to report that all items in the Iowa section have been inventoried, added to the library system (so they can be accessed from our online card catalog), and re-shelved. Some of the books in the section will remain reference books for in-library use only, but many of the Iowa books will now be available for check out. This section is probably the most diverse section in the library, so there is something for everyone! There are ghost stories from Iowa towns, books written about places in Iowa by Iowa authors, Iowa history, Scranton history, and even some family genealogy books.
So, as you can see, just because the library building is closed to the public doesn’t mean that all library work has stopped. I might actually be more busy with the library closed than I was while it was open!
We are still accepting returns of library materials through the drop box in the alley. All library materials are wiped down and left in a “book quarantine” section for one-two weeks before being re-shelved and available for check out. So now is the perfect time to drop off those library materials that you are done with and let us know if you would like to pick up something new. We are still offering curbside pickup for reserved Library materials. You can reserve items through the online catalog on our website, message us on Facebook, or email/call the library. Or you can always use our online resources that are available 24/7, like the Libby or Overdrive app to download e-books and audio books.
If you haven’t already completed your census for 2020, please do so! These results will determine funding for the city and the library for the next ten years. Stand up and be counted! ~Wendy Johnson, director, courtesy of The Scranton Journal
