By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
The Cazenovia Public Library staff has been working diligently to continue serving the community during the coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdown.
Although the building is closed until further notice, staff members are regularly posting content to Instagram, Facebook, and a new Pinterest account featuring boards with a variety of resources.
The library has also redesigned its website homepage to include a blog space designed to keep the community informed of library business, digital services and new offerings.
Individuals interested in subscribing to the blog can sign up on the home page to receive email updates when new posts are made.
In an effort to remain connected to the community, the library has also moved story time online with weekly “Stories at Home.”
Each Friday, the blog features a new video of a library staff member reading a story from their home.
Children’s Program Coordinator Jenna Wright Martin kicked off the video series on March 27 with “Pokko and the Drum” by Matthew Forsythe.
“Stories at Home was born out of the idea that children are feeling the worry and stress of this time just like the adults in their lives,” said Wright Martin. “The library wanted to provide some reassuring and familiar faces for everyone during this time. Seeing someone familiar helps children feel a little more safe and secure when everything else seems out of their control. It was also a way for the library to offer parents — who are balancing so much during this period — a short break where they didn’t have to provide the activity and they could just sit and snuggle and enjoy a story with their children.”
The LEGO My Library program series is also continuing with an at home edition. Each Wednesday, the library is providing a theme for that week’s build. Participants are encouraged to add a photo of their creations to the comments of the library’s Facebook post or tag the library on Instagram.
The library’s redesigned homepage now features quick links to the following online resources:
Virtual Tech Request
Madison Tech Connect is a free service designed to assist patrons with technology (e.g., phone, computer, tablet, etc.) to make access to library resources easier.
The program was initiated by the Madison County Libraries and is funded by a grant received by the former New York State Senator, David Valesky.
During the COVID-19 shutdown, the service’s tech trainer is providing help through email, text or phone call.
Reference Desk
Individuals can submit reference questions online and receive researched answers in a timely manner via email.
Library Card Number
Patrons with library accounts can retrieve their Patron ID/Library Card numbers via email. The number is required for access to most digital services.
Document History
Community members are invited to contribute their COVID-19 pandemic experiences to the library’s archive.
Digital Library Services
The MYlibrary2go Digital Library grants access to eBooks, audiobooks, movies, magazines, music, television shows, and graphic novels.
The collection is available through several digital download services/apps (e.g., Libby, hoopla, RB Digital, Overdrive, etc.).
All services are free to use with automatic return and no late fees.
In order to provide relief to libraries and to provide more content to patrons while sheltering at home, hoopla Digital has curated the “hoopla Bonus Borrows Collection.” The list of more than 1,000 top titles is free through April 30. Each patron will be debited zero borrows when they download any of the included titles. Patrons will also continue to have access to hoopla’s full collection of over 750,000 eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, comics, and more.
In addition to the new quick links, the library’s homepage also offers easy access to a number of other digital resources, including genealogy tools, old Cazenovia Republican newspapers, job and career resources, general reference materials, and Transparent Languages.
Transparent Languages Digital Service offers lessons in more than 100+ languages and dialects for everyone from beginners to intermediate speakers. The service also offers 26 language lessons designed for ESL (English as a Second Language) students.
According to the library’s April e-newsletter, the Story Room at CazCares is closed until further notice. Children’s books packed in oversized sandwich bags are available with groceries for clients via curbside pickup. Visit cazcares.org for details.
The library’s in-person, one-on-one adult tutoring has transitioned to online learning whenever possible. All students who were matched with volunteer tutors to improve their ESL skills or prepare for the TASC exam (formerly, GED) have books at home for self-study. Many tutors are checking in with their students on a weekly basis.
“As the adult literacy coordinator for Cazenovia Public Library, I have found myself in the most fortunate situation with my passionate and adaptable group of volunteer tutors,” said Carla Zimmerman-Edison. “At this time, we are tutoring six students remotely, whether it’s ESL or TASC exam prep. The learners are remarkable. They are doing their homework and have a resilient attitude. Still, as one of my students said, ‘I cannot wait for this crazy virus to be gone.’ We miss sitting across from each other.”
The library drop boxes are locked and patrons are asked to keep their borrowed items until the building reopens.
The Friends of the Library also request that book donations be held until everything is back to normal.
Due dates and late fines will be waived during the shutdown.
“All of us at the library miss seeing all of you and look forward to your smiling faces soon,” said Library Director Betsy Kennedy. “Take care, and if you have any questions please email us at [email protected].
Visit the Cazenovia Public Library online at cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.
