Island Park Island Park Libraries

Libraries remain vital resources amid pandemic

By Mike Smollins and Briana Bonfiglio

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the Oceanside and Island Park libraries have remained vital resources to their communities. Though the Oceanside Library’s doors were closed during the pandemic, it launched dozens of online programs and projects designed to provide the community with information, education and entertainment. It hosted six to 10 online programs per day, including exercise classes, teen readings, book chats and more. It also began offering curbside book pick-up in June. “As soon as we closed, our staff held numerous teleconferences and shared ideas on how we could continue to serve the public,” Library Director Christina Marra said. In June, voters also approved the plans for Vision 2020, a $33.5 million bond to upgrade some of the library’s rooms, enable the facility to host more programs and shows, and enhance security while making the building more environmentally friendly. The Island Park Public Library also offered curbside pick-up after the pandemic struck, while supplying the community with many online and at-home activities, such as Zoom book discussions, story-time video, LEGO challenges and a Spring Reading Challenge. “It’s’ very frustrating to not be back at our building,” Library Director Jessica Koenig told the Herald in May, “but we want everyone to know that we’re still here virtually, and we’re doing a lot of work behind the scenes to keep people connected to each other.”