By: Jen Schneider<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Public Libraries are Using Technology to Connect Readers<\/strong> As a teacher and a reader, I\u2019ve missed a lot of things in the last few months since the pandemic began. I\u2019ve missed my students, colleagues, and classrooms. Conferences have been postponed or cancelled, and the educational world seemed to instantly go online. These are things I would expect to miss, but one thing I really took for granted and didn\u2019t realize how much I would miss is the public library. Remarkably, our libraries never stopped! In fact, libraries are now more accessible than ever as they have utilized technology to reach even more readers. Here are some ways public libraries are using technology to connect readers. Summer Programming<\/strong> In the summer, the library is at least a weekly stop for my family and me. We are members of the Bellevue Public Library, and like many Nebraska libraries, their summer programming is top-notch. This year\u2019s summer library program theme across the country is \u201cImagine Your Story\u201d. Many libraries have taken the reading program online using Beanstack<\/a> to track reading for families (adults and kids). Prizes are still rewarded digitally, with curbside pickup, or in-person with limited hours for some libraries. Go to your library\u2019s website and see how you can register for summer programming. Zoom to the Library<\/strong> Chances are you\u2019ve participated in plenty of Zoom or Google Meet meetings in the last few months. Many libraries are connecting adults and children to programming via Zoom. For example, the Omaha Public Library<\/a> (which is still closed to patrons at the time of this posting) is hosting frequent Virtual Wildlife Encounters Zooms where families can see cool animals and educational programming. In addition, Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason is hosting a Writer\u2019s Workshop via Zoom through OPL. Check out programming for your local library (or other around the state) via Zoom. Social Media<\/strong> In addition to Zoom programming, many libraries are engaging readers via social media. Bellevue Public Library<\/a> shared reading puzzles and contests via Facebook. Grand Island Public Library<\/a> has daily activities ranging from book clubs to art lessons on their Facebook page. Follow your favorite public library on social media to see what\u2019s happening online at your library! Digital Books<\/strong> If you\u2019ve never checked out an ebook via your local library, you\u2019re missing out! It\u2019s so easy to download Libby <\/a>or Overdrive<\/a> and check out any book in the catalog! Some publishers are lifting limits on the numbers of certain digital titles that may be checked out during this time. I haven\u2019t gone a day without having a digital novel or nonfiction read on my phone or tablet. The options are endless. See a title that\u2019s not available? Join the waitlist, and as soon as it\u2019s ready, you\u2019ll get an email or notification on your phone, computer, or tablet. Get a Library Card<\/strong> Even if you\u2019ve never had a public library card or are new to the area, many libraries have made it easy to apply for a card online during this time. Some libraries are opening with limited hours, but this option is still available. The digital library card provides access to the online books, and for some libraries, allows you to reserve physical books online for curbside or in-library pickup. Other Library Benefits<\/strong> Our local libraries have been so accommodating with checkout times, late fees (as books could not be returned during March), and sharing online learning resources beyond just books. While you\u2019re at home this summer, start to check out everything your public library has to offer. Even though we miss the hands-on art activities and the in-person read-alouds at our local library, my family is so grateful for the way our public libraries have continued to connect with readers using technology. By: Jen Schneider How Public Libraries are Using Technology to Connect Readers As a teacher and a reader, I\u2019ve missed a lot of things in the last few months since… <\/p>\n
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