LIBRARY TURNS PAGE IN PANDEMIC CHAPTER
TITNYMuRU » As libraries across the state learn to adapt to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Fitchburg Public Library has remained active in the community, started a curb
Staff working to offer more online offerings, curbside service side pick-up program for books, and moved a portion of its programming online.
While the building has been closed to the public since March, Library Director Sharon Bernard said she and her staff are working tirelessly to provide important resources to residents.
“What we’re doing is working,” Bernard said. “We’re grateful to provide the services that we can to people. There are so many online services for residents to use.
When the pandemic first hit, Mayor Stephen DiNatale issued a directive to close all municipally owned buildings to the public, including the library. That directive was then extended in April and remains in place.
After the Library closed on March 17, Bernard said she was nervous for what the future might hold.
“It was a scary time,” she
said. “We couldn’t offer many of the things people expect to find here.”
Bernard said the library is much more than just a place to check out literature. To many people, she said, it’s their “second living room” and a place where they come to socialize, learn, and be part of the community.
“I think people are missing out on a lot,” she said. “We have a lot to offer now, but it’s not the same.”
The Fitchburg Public Library made significant operational changes after closing.
On June 18, staff began offering a curbside pick-up service for residents. Those interested in materials could call ahead or browse the library’s catalog online and reserve them for a safe pick-up.
“A lot of people really want to come in and browse, but we try to stress that a librarian’s job is to help you find materials,” Bernard said. “We encourage people to call us and we’ll find you what you need.”
Any returned materials also are sanitized and quarantined for at least 72 hours before going back into circulation.
“Better safe than sorry,” she added.
Since so much has transitioned to online the past few months, the library expanded its digital offerings. Residents have access to a digital collection of music, videos, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, comic books, and similar resources.
“We’ve found that our ebook and audiobook usage has skyrocketed,” Bernard said.
While all in-person programming has been scrapped, the library has hosted online events such as meditations, genealogy research, cooking classes, and read-alongs.
An in-person story time event was also hosted at the nearby Mill Street stage, with social distancing precautions of course.
Currently, the library staff is split into two teams which operate in the building on alternating
days of the week.
“It’s a big building but we don’t have work stations, so it’s not possible to have everyone here at once,” Bernard said.
The pandemic has created a revenue shortfall in the city and the mayor’s proposed budget for the fiscal year includes a hiring freeze on several positions, including the library’s vacant Teen Librarian position.
When allowed to do so, Bernard said the library would open
under limited hours and capacity.
“We would limit where people could go so they’re not wandering around handling a lot of things,” she said. Hand sanitizing, social distancing, and masks would also be required. Until then, Bernard said, the Fitchburg Public Library is always here to help people.
“Call us or email us and we’ll help get you what you need,” Bernard said.