Library Link FROM THE DIRECTOR I am very pleased that the Library reopened on Monday, February 1. It is good to see so many of you again. There’s no doubt that 2020 was a difficult year for all of us, but I am very thankful for all of your support. Many of our patrons registered for our take-home crafts, took advantage of our new online chat service, and participated in so many more offerings our staff were able to provide. During our closure, it made me realize we really are bigger than a building by being able to offer so many online resources, but I also acknowledge that there is still a digital divide and not all of you are able to take advantage of those resources. Nearly 33 million U.S. households do not use the internet at home, and nearly twice that number of people in the U.S. have low levels of digital readiness. The American Library Association, library trustees, legislators, and staff advocate for libraries to address these gaps and realize the vision of universal broadband adoption and the ability to use. Although we are still unable to host in-person Library programs, our talented and creative programming staff have put together some wonderful events for the spring. One of my favorites is the Community Care Kits project. In March, you can obtain a bee house that will help attract our bees to a safe place, enabling them to pollinate and maintain healthy plants. In April, we will be providing a tree planting kit that will help to enhance the beauty of our community. National Library Week is April 4–10 and this year, more than ever, is cause for libraries to celebrate how we have demonstrated our importance to our communities as a resource for information. We are here for you in so many ways! Although we are still operating on reduced hours and services we still have a lot to offer you, so I would encourage you to contact us by phone 708-598-8446 or visit us online at greenhillslibrary.org for more details. -Jane Jenkins jjenkins@greenhillslibrary.org
March/April 2021