THE NEIGHBORHOOD
News � Features
Back to the Books Local libraries announce limited reopening after pandemic closures By Clare S. Richie
A
fter more than a year of virtual offerings and curbside service, DeKalb and Fulton County Library Systems are reopening in phases to keep patrons and staff
safe. DeKalb patrons must make an appointment to use computers or browse six days a week at 21 branches (excluding Stone Mountain and Scottdale-Tobie Grant branches). Starting in May, limited numbers of Fulton patrons can use computers and browse at 32 branches on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Auburn Avenue Research Library is open by appointment only and the Central Library remains closed for the time being as renovations are completed. “Our duty is to serve the public,” said Gayle Holloman, Executive Director Fulton County Library System. “We want them
to come back in, see their smiling faces and share thoughts about books. We miss that, too. We are appreciative of their patience and we ask that they hold on just a little bit longer.” Curbside services and virtual programming are expected to continue through the summer for both library systems. In-person programming and meeting room rentals could phase in later this fall. “We’re still here even though we had to close our doors for a while,” said Alison L. Weissinger, Director DeKalb County Public Library. “We recognize our place as the community living room and are working very hard to welcome people back in.” COVID-19 was transformational as local libraries shifted from gathering spots and expanded virtual offerings for all ages. “We figured out how to get people library cards online and added to all of our
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6 May 2021 |
Meagan Stone leads virtual story time at the Fulton County Library. System.
digital databases,” Weissinger said. “Most 200 hotspot checkout program, funded book clubs have stayed active on Zoom or primarily by DeKalb Library Foundation. Google Meet. Our Georgia Center for the Fulton County’s 140 Chromebooks and Book author programs are on Zoom.” 120 hot spots were constantly checked out. Fulton County’s expanded digital “If we had 1,000 of them, we’d be able offerings included Kanopy, a database of to get them all out in a day,” Holloman thousands of movies and documentaries said. and Paper.co, which provides online Now patrons can access computers homework help from expert tutors. inside nearly all Fulton and DeKalb To replicate what was offered inside the branches. Fulton County is starting with branches, both created taped or live stream two days, Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. programming. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., for “If you go to our website [fulcolibrary.org] you will see all sorts of wonderful activities that children can participate in. We have craft programs where materials are given out to the public when they come for curbside services,” Holloman said. Innovative staff, like West End’s Bonita McZorn, created a children’s book window display that allowed children to select their own books from outside the branch. Other branches, like Cleveland Avenue, followed. Local libraries responded to the increased need for internet access and devices. “We boosted our WiFi signal for about 10 hours a day to provide internet access outside our buildings,” Weissinger said. Curbside pickup at the Demand increased for the “Take Cleveland Avenue branch. the Internet Home with You” At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m
