Library during COVID

Originally published in the Ketchikan Daily News, November 2020; written by Amie Toepfer.

As a part of the community effort to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus the library was asked to close its doors to the public this past week, but that doesn’t mean we are closed! Libraries are in a unique position right now because we still have the ability to serve you, the public, even with our doors closed. In the background, your librarians are busy ordering and process new materials, designing Winter Reading Programs, creating virtual content, putting together maker and craft bags, placing and pulling your holds, and ding-dong ditching materials on the doorsteps of our homebound residents to name just a few things.

These are trying times and they are tough on each of us, but as I am writing this article I keep thinking about the comfort that words and stories bringing into our lives. To ensure that you can get those stories we are again deploying curbside service for you. To take advantage of this service all you need to do is call 907-225-3331 and staff can place up to ten items on hold for you for next open day pick up. Alternately, you can go online to www.ketchikanpubliclibrary.org and search the catalog and place holds yourself. Staff will call you when your hold is available and ready for curbside pick-up. It is as easy as 1,2,3! Also, when you call for curbside pick-up don’t forget to ask for one of our children’s maker bags, adult craft bags, or our teen zen-to-go bags! There literally is something for everyone when it comes to curbside service.

Don’t want to leave your home? We’ve got you covered with Alaska Digital! Browse a wide selection of downloadable eBooks and audiobooks from the comfort of your couch. From the latest new release to an old classic you can find just about anything you want on Alaska Digital and the best thing is that it’s free to use and you can’t accrue late fees. Heck-yeah! Our website also offers a variety of online databases where you can learn a new language, find out how to fix the squeak on your car, discover something about your family history or even write a new resume! For all of our homeschooling families please make sure to check out our brand new Scholastic Teachables database, where you can find worksheets and learning tools for Pre-K thru Sixth grade. There are also other databases for study help and research projects. No matter your age or interests there is something on our website to please you and if you can’t find it give us a call and we’ll do our best to help you locate what you’re looking for.

Finally, don’t forget to check out our social media sites for storytime videos, craft ideas, DIY with Gayle, City updates, book recommendations, and other fun surprises. If you don’t use social media tune your radio into KRBD each Tuesday at 6:30 to hear a classic story read by one of the library staff. You never know which story they will read next, so this is a must-listen for me and my family and I know you will love it too.

So while our doors may be closed, your library is still open and ready to help you, our community. We want you to know that we miss seeing you, but we know that if we come together and get through this we will be a healthier and stronger Ketchikan. Please remember to wash your hands often, remain six-feet from others, and wear your mask. All of these simple actions will help to slow the spread of COVID-19 and allow us to get back to normal sooner. Stay safe. Stay Strong.