Library Update
The Azalea Regional Library System’s Board of Trustees met last week and discussed a recovery plan for providing limited services to the community. On Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 10:00 am, the library will begin Phase 1 of our plan to offer contact-free curbside service which will allow patrons to schedule a specific time to pick up materials. We are also working on Phase 2 that will provide patrons with the ability to schedule a time for contact-free computer access, Census computer access, and printing, copying, and faxing capabilities. Staff will work rotating shifts to minimize contact and library hours will be limited to Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10:00 am-2:00 pm, and Thursday: 3:00 pm-7:00 pm.
Our free, twenty-four hour Wi-Fi access has been available throughout this temporary closure and patrons have taken full advantage of this service. In just over a month’s time, patrons have accessed our parking lot Wi-Fi over 2,000 times. The Azalea Regional Library System was even mentioned in an article in the AJC last month which detailed how libraries across Georgia have been meeting community needs during this public health state of emergency: https://www.ajc.com/news/local/libraries-continue-offer-resources-during-pandemic/FUhuHrseyJWjzWfuSMKo2J/
Since mid-March, staff have diligently worked to quarantine books and handle daily functions, as well as create new and innovative ways to provide virtual service to the community. A Live Chat feature was added to the system’s website so patrons could chat with a staff member in real-time, a Get Help Form was created so patrons could contact staff with questions and concerns, Live Facebook story times are held every Wednesday and Friday at 10:00 am, virtual craft demonstrations (over 40,000 views system-wide), magic performances, and mini-musical concerts are provided, blogs were created with book recommendations and reviews, online book clubs were established, eBook, Audiobook, and digital magazine offerings were enhanced, digital library cards are available to provide access for all, staff engaged in hours of training to prepare for reopening, and Managers are working to partner and collaborate with BOE media specialists to provide virtual summer reading programs and reading lists for students.
We realize that the State of Georgia, as well as all counties and cities, will face budgetary challenges in the coming fiscal year. Libraries will play a major role in helping our communities get back on their feet once this crisis has passed. Community members will be able to utilize our resources for job seeking and career and resume assistance, children and families will have access to literacy based materials and programs to curtail "summer slide" and fill any gaps created by early release from school, staff will be available to help those applying for benefits, completing taxes or the 2020 Census, or applying for small business loans, students preparing for college or studying from home will have access to GALILEO databases and online materials, and patrons of all ages will have the ability to obtain print and digital resources.
We were also able to complete the restoration project of the Carnegie section that was funded by the City of Eatonton and a grant awarded by the State Agency (Georgia Public Library Service). Dyer Construction repaired and restored all of the wood in the Carnegie wing to its original brilliance. See below pictures. We can't wait until we are fully reopened and the public can utilize this space. It is breathtaking!
