Edgewood Library is fully open to the public again after almost two years
The Edgewood Library is fully open to the public again after almost two years. It had a “soft open” on Jan. 4 and will be celebrating with a grand opening celebration on Jan. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Covid-19 initially shut down the library in March of 2020.
According to librarian Andrea Corvin, the library followed the state's lead in terms of Covid protocols and shutdowns. They were geared up to open on Sept. 11, 2021, but the state shut everything back down again at that time, she said.
They did keep online services available and Corvin said she ran an outdoor drop-off and pick-up system so the public could continue to check out books. In addition, the library ran its regular summer programs, adapting to the conditions of the pandemic by bringing it all online.
The library also decided to use this time to work on renovations.
“We have made a lot of improvements over the last couple of years,” Corvin said. She said the library has added tables to the computer lab, added signs to the library to mark collections and give more information to the public.
They also added two searching kiosks, giving patrons easier access to the library guide; they added more furniture, upgraded the computer chairs, and added more counter top space to the computer lab, as well as providing office supplies to the computer area.
In addition, they upgraded their bulletin board to a magnetic type, added new shelving to the youth collections, consolidated the youth collection, and upgraded staff offices.
They also repurposed old shelving into new furniture and added learning tables to the children's discovery area. The majority of the ceiling panels were replaced and the ceiling is no longer leaking, Corvin said.
This year the library was chosen as on of five pilot libraries to try a new summer reading program. The reading programs are run through a cell phone application called Beanstacks. Currently, the library is doing a winter reading program, where participating adults and children can win prizes for reading books.
The library is currently in need of volunteers. There is no set schedule and volunteers typically work one day a week for four hours. There are two shifts Tuesday through Friday and one shift on Saturdays.
The library is located at 171 N.M. 244, in the old elementary school building which also houses the town offices.
The library is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
For more information about volunteering, getting a library card, or participating in a reading challenge, visit the Town of Edgewood's website at edgewood-nm.gov, then choose library from the home page.
To access the library's lib-guide visit edgewood.biblionix.com to see what they have in the collection or to check out a book. For more information call the library at 505-281-0138.