The great and the wonderful

Wow! What a crazy week!

The library where I work was open as usual on Monday. On Tuesday 3/17 we closed to the public. Staff remained working. We have been checking in returned materials, sanitizing them, and shelving them. We have also been answering phone calls. Most of the calls have been “Are you open?” I am surprised that I haven’t taken any calls asking for information on Covid-19. We are prepared with websites and phone numbers about the illness as well as information on where patrons can go to make photocopies, send faxes, etc. We have begun the enormous task of wiping down all shelving, surfaces, and materials with sanitizer in preparation for the day we can reopen to the public.

On Friday 3/20 we started doing curbside pick-up of reserved materials. We have been calling patrons and letting them know how they can come pick up the materials. The system has gone pretty well and we are still tweaking it. Patron reaction has been amazing.

There have been so many announcements of free online activities, tours, concerts and more. I am going to try to start listing them here. I will also include some links that cost money that I think are worth it. I do NOT get any benefits from referring you there. I just enjoy them and want to share them. I will update the list on a weekly basis. If something really good has been announced, I will try to post it immediately. If you hear of any additional educational, entertaining, or just uplifting websites, please share them in the comments. Anything negative or snarky will not be tolerated.

Field trips

Discovery Education Virtual Field Trips – there are some great trips on here

We Are Teachers 25 Amazing Virtual Field Trips for When You Can’t Be There in Person – by teachers for teachers

The Smithsonian – I’ve never made it to the Smithsonian, so I plan on doing this one myself

Activities and Crafts

Easy Peasy and Fun Crafts and Activities – this site has some free activities as well as a subscription. There are some really cute and fun things on here.

Entertainment

Garth Brooks – Garth will be giving a Facebook Live concert on Monday 3/23 at 7pm Eastern. Go follow him on Facebook and make a song request.

Neil Gaiman – Neil Gaiman’s website has free short stories and other fun stuff. Go to www.neilgaiman.com/Cool_Stuff

Digital Ren Faire – join the Lords and Ladies of the Court for a virtual Renaissance Faire.

Fitness

YMCA 360 – always free for members but they are currently free of charge to the general public.

Stay tuned for more as I find them.

FLATTEN THE CURVE!!! Wash your hands — for 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face. Practice social distancing. Call your doctor if you have fever, cough or shortness of breath.