Spring Back From the Pandemic

 

Ashe County Public Library is dedicated to serving its community and is happy to announce that ‘inside service’ is now available for library patrons.  We are thrilled to see faces again . . . We’ve missed everyone!

After the initial shutdown in March 2020, we reopened in May 2020 with modified services: curbside pick-ups, virtual programs, and numerous procedures for health safety.  Operating during the summer months was especially difficult, since public gathering restrictions prevented us from holding traditional summer reading events and activities for children.  Luckily our librarians are especially creative and found ways to reach readers and connect with the community despite these circumstances.  They began to offer Take-home Activity Kits, recorded story time videos, and interactive zoom programs, helping to fight social isolation.   In the Fall months, we began surveying the public and talking with community groups to solicit feedback on a new five-year-plan for our county and the regional system. On several occasions, library staff visited selected areas throughout the county for outdoor pop-up library events.  Following the holiday season, all our regional libraries reclosed in January due to a spike in Covid cases.  Curbside delivery continued, as well as assistance with copies and print information requests.  Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Team adjusted their efforts, with help from library staff, by offering drop-off & pick-up of documents for virtual appointments.  Programs continued to live-stream on Facebook or via Zoom.

Ashe Library certainly kept busy during the previous ‘unprecedented’ year.  There were a total of 818 new patrons registered in 2020 and the circulation of digital materials (ebooks, streaming films, magazine) continues to rise.  The library’s new normal will include virtual services along with the anticipated return to pre-pandemic in-person services.

For now, ACPL will continue to observe the 3W’s – Wear, Wash, Wait –  and require visitors to do the same.  Our opening hours are Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs from 10:00 - 6:00 and Fri & Sat from 10:00 - 4:00.  As you enter the library, there will be a library staff member to answer any questions and remind visitors to limit their time inside to no more than one hour.  Computers will be available and workspaces cleaned regularly.  There is also the option of using parking lot Wi-Fi, mobile hotspots, or borrowing a Chromebook.  

As the health environment of our county and nation continues to improve, we are looking forward to increasing hours and lifting limitations.  Stay safe, stay well, and vaccinate!