Two weeks ago, the Daviess County Library board met and discussed the current COVID statistics for our county in correlation with the precautionary policy the library has held this past year.
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The board determined that masks will no longer be mandated in the library, but the board recommends and requests they be worn, in addition to encouraging the use of hand sanitizer upon entry and physical distancing while in the library. This decision is based upon the very low occurrence of active COVID-19 cases in our county as reported by the Daviess County Health Department.
Library Director Elizabeth Plotner will monitor COVID numbers weekly and report to the board. The library board reserves the right to return to mask enforcement if active cases begin to increase or surge.
Some conditions do exist, such as programming and quarantine of library materials, but, for the most part, patrons are welcomed back to business as usual at the library. The library’s goal is to continue to provide excellent service but in a manner that promotes health and wellness to all involved—patrons, staff, and community. Comments may be directed to Elizabeth Plotner, Library Director, at [email protected]
Other news at the library involves a new internal library system providing a robust circulation and cataloguing service to patrons and staff alike. All patrons will need to be activated in this new system in order to place holds on physical materials or utilize the online resources like OverDrive and Libby.
This process is as simple as calling the library and updating telephone numbers and date of birth. This purchase was funded with a portion of the $20,152 Technology Ladder Grant award received in January 2020. The library also purchased new computer stations, Chromebooks, staff computers, hot-spots, head-phones, and tripods for use in the library and for lending, with moneys from this grant and a $9,238 Tech Mini-Grant also awarded in January 2020.
The Adult Computer Seminar restarted in March of this year to take advantage of all these tech resources and is on-going on Fridays, from 1-2 p.m. This program requires close proximity to staff and other participants, therefore, masks are required to participate. Class size is limited, so call to reserve your space.
Finally, the annual summer reading program is nearly ready to roll. This year’s program is for all ages, school-age through teens and adults. Programs and prizes will be offered to all categories. Registration begins with a kickoff on Saturday, May 22, at the library from 9 am-noon. Children may register and “adopt-a-pet” reading partner, then enjoy a bag of freshly popped popcorn. Adults, sorry no “adopt-a-pet” program for you, but you may still register and enjoy the popcorn!
This year’s theme is “Tails and Tales” with lots of fun, new programing and partially funded by a $3,427.00 Summer Library Program grant awarded in January. This grant and all of those listed above are supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
The library staff looks forward to seeing all of you—young and old, alike! Remember to call and activate your library card in the new system at 660-663-3222.