Libraries expand offerings to help during pandemic

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

Although physical books can’t be borrowed and educational events have been canceled, Belle Vernon Public Library director Elina Filander thinks local libraries “have stepped up” to continue providing services during a state-mandated library shutdown.

Libraries in Allegheny, Westmoreland and Washington counties have increased efforts to offer more digital loans for eBooks and eAudiobooks.

“I have been purchasing a lot more materials over the past 10 days to keep the collection fresh,” said Washington County Library District consultant Melinda Tanner. 

“We normally spread our limited spending on ebooks out to hit summer vacations,” Filander said. “This year, the spending of money was important now, so I ordered as soon as the libraries were ordered closed and so did many of my fellow directors.”

She said online library services have been popular as people are social distancing and staying at home.

“Our system’s executive director released figures showing Westmoreland libraries hit our biggest day ever with more than 600 items checked out,” Filander said.

She said Westmoreland County libraries saw more patrons utilize online services in an eight-day span following the library closures than they did for the entire month prior.

On March 13, public libraries received a notice from the Office of Commonwealth Libraries stating they were required to close “for the same time period as the schools had been ordered shut earlier in the day.”

“Friday the 13th we were notified late in the day to shut down by Monday so we had to really scramble to think of what we could offer to keep our patrons reading,” Filander said.

Since then, Gov. Tom Wolf has announced that schools will remain closed indefinitely. Filander said public libraries have been ordered to close until at least April 30.

She said library boards and directors in Westmoreland County have restructured plans on how much of their budgets should be spent on electronic books and audiobooks, adding that most library directors have opted to increase spending for children’s eBooks because “that’s what we need right now.”

Along with added materials, new library users are welcome to try out library services in Westmoreland County with online registration for a library card. 

Prospective new patrons 13 and older who reside anywhere in Pennsylvania can obtain a Westmoreland Library Network card by going to www.wlnonline.org and clicking on “Login/Register,” Filander said. Residents of Washington, Fayette and Greene counties can visit waggin.polarislibrary.com, and Allegheny County residents can register for a library card at librarycatalog.einetwork.net/MyResearch/GetCard.

A patron with an existing card who had been blocked from borrowing books because of fines or fees will now be able to use the OverDrive smartphone app, available for Android and Apple devices, to access electronic materials in both of the library’s electronic borrowing systems.

The libraries are reaching out to their patrons in other ways through the internet. 

Filander said Rostraver Public Library has hosted a virtual Irish step dancing lesson for children ages 6 to 9 and a live pop-up Easter craft led by programming coordinator Kelly Yoskosky on Facebook Live. 

The Peters Township Library hosted a Hogwarts Digital Escape Room that went viral. Carnegie Library of McKeesport’s children’s librarian Vince D’Alessio has been providing a storytime session from his home on Facebook.

 “A lot of libraries are doing story times on line, but I have to say people in McKeesport have said ‘Mr. Vince’ is like Mr. Rogers with his calming manner,” Filander said. “I think he’s just perfect for these times.”

For those looking to keep up with homework, explore offerings at regional museums online or pass time with new crafts or activities, libraries are listing databases and homework help beyond the offerings in their individual library systems and the state’s ACCESS PA, Filander said.

Filander has a message for senior citizens who want to read, but complain that they don’t like reading on their cell phone because the type is too small. She said eBooks can be read on iPads, electronic tablets, Kindle, Nook and on desktop computers. 

Filander said libraries are also offering patrons the chance to watch movies available on the library’s electronic databases. 

“We’re trying to reach out and we’re trying to keep our patrons connected,” she said.