Manlius Library expands digital services in response to pandemic

Manlius Library has expanded its digital services to continue to serve patrons during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The library has introduced or increased access to eContent through several online platforms, including hoopla, RBdigital Unlimited Audiobooks, and Tumblebooks.
These additions allow library patrons new access to tens of thousands of digital resources for all ages.
Streaming video, eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMusic, eMagazines, eComics, and much more are digitally available for Manlius Library cardholders.
Manlius Library subscriptions to popular platforms like Kanopy, Mango Languages, and OverDrive allow patrons to learn new languages, watch award-winning films, and read or listen to the most popular books in the world, all without leaving home.
Patrons also have remote access to an array of databases from home, including Ancestry and Gale Testing & Education Resource Center (TERC).
TERC offers extensive resources ranging from exam study guides to career development resources.
“While we miss seeing and interacting with our patrons, we are so grateful that we can continue to serve the community digitally during this difficult time,” Manlius Library Executive Director Jennifer Milligan said. “The entire staff is working hard to expand the library of resources we can provide virtually. We want to continue to be the place where people go for help, information, and entertainment.”
In addition to working to expand digital resource access, library staff has been developing virtual programming that is accessible online, including several new story times a week, a new teen blog, virtual escape rooms, lunchtime poetry, and more.
Virtual programming for children, teens, and adults will continue to be expanded over coming weeks. Instructions for accessing resources can be found on Manlius Library’s website at manliuslibrary.org.
Questions about accessing resources can be directed to [email protected], where one of the library’s reference librarians will promptly assist patrons with their queries.
The library’s WiFi remains available and can be safely accessed from a parked vehicle in the parking lot surrounding the library.
The library closed the doors of its physical branch at 1 Arkie Albanese Way in Manlius on Monday, March 16.
“Closing our doors was the hardest decision I have made as a director,” Milligan said in a public statement. “As librarians, we are driven to serve, we always want to be the place for people to go when there is nowhere else. During these unprecedented times, the greatest service we could offer was to close our doors temporarily while shifting our focus to providing virtual service. We are eagerly awaiting the day we can reopen and see all your friendly faces again. Be well.”