FLORENCE– Even though Florence-Lauderdale Public Library is currently closed, residents of the Shoals area can still use the library from the comfort of their own homes. The library is providing digital books and audiobooks, video classes, online storytimes, and more virtual programs, as a way to continue providing the community with access to learning and entertainment. Resources and programs are available both on the library’s website, www.flpl.org, and on the library’s Facebook pages.
Abby Carpenter, the library’s assistant director, believes that access to books and audiobooks is extremely important during this stressful period of social distancing. “Research has shown that reading even for just 6 minutes a day can reduce stress and anxiety,” said Carpenter.
Abby Carpenter
The library has set up a dedicated page on its website to offer quick links to a variety of sources for ebooks, audiobooks, videos, and research. Some resources require a library card, but others are available to anyone. The resources can be found at www.flpl.org/athome.
Books are just a part of a library’s services, and the library is also continuing to provide opportunities for community engagement through interactive online programs and classes. Library staff members have been using social media to teach art classes, provide technology lessons, lead book discussions, and have online storytimes.
The library has also partnered with local experts for programs such as livestream film discussions and reptile talks. Staff members are hoping to soon offer cooking demonstrations featuring chefs from local restaurants. Links for online programs for kids, teens, and adults are all available on the home page of the library’s website.
Jessica Fenn Hill
Jessica Fenn Hill, the library’s youth services librarian, says that she and her staff are working to “give the children of the Shoals the comfort of normalcy at a time when life doesn’t seem normal. Connecting with children and providing learning opportunities is always our goal. We are just doing it in a different way now.”
There are also special activities for teens ages 11-18, with an online scavenger hunt continuing through April 10 and an art contest from April 1-15. The library’s young adult librarian Kristen Tippett Briggs believes these services are vital for the health and happiness of local teens. “These activities can never replace the programming we do at the library,” said Briggs. “But I want the teens to know
Kristen Tippett Briggs
the library is still here for them. The world around us is confusing, but they will always have the library.”
Libraries have a long track record of rising to the occasion as the needs of the community have changed, according to
Jennifer Butler Keeton, the library’s public affairs coordinator.
Jennifer Butler Keeton
“We’ve been among the first to provide free Wifi and access to ebooks and audiobooks, and now we’re working to find new and innovative ways to help our community from a distance,” said Keeton. “Our staff members, along with librarians around the world, are again redefining what it means to be a library. This work is a testament to how dedicated library workers are to meeting their communities where they are and providing the services they need right now.”
“A librarian’s job is never done,” added Carpenter, “even if the building is closed.”
