Masks, Zoom and WiFi

If you were born with a thirst for knowledge and information, you most likely remember your feelings of pride and excitement when you received your first, very own, Public Library card. Not only was it ?probably your first officially issued Identification card, but it was also a pass to roam freely around rooms full of books about every imaginable subject (and some that you never imagined). Leafing through the solid wooden drawers of cards arranged according to the Dewey Decimal System added to the fascinating adventure of the Library experience.

Today everything has changed. With such a variety of Library buildings and the communities they serve, each of our six Libraries on the South Fork has adapted in different ways during the current pandemic era. Besides all being members of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, they do, however, share certain solutions to the challenge of continuing operation during these difficult times.

*All items returned to the library from loan must be quarantined for a minimum     of 72 hours before being returned to the shelves
  *WiFi coverage has been extended to include adjacent parking areas, for anyone wanting to work or surf from their car
    *Masks indoors, hand sanitizing before entering and social distancing are required
    *When possible, Programs are held via Zoom, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube, allowing people to participate when it is convenient for them
    *Some library Programs offer advance pickup of bags of related collateral materials at the library (“Grab & Go”, “Go Bags”, “Craft Kits”, “Take and Make Activity Kits”, “Crafts To Go Kits”), before participation in online fun
    *Quick pickup of loan items can be arranged by calling or emailing the library in advance, with some offering home delivery
    *Seating areas have been reduced to allow proper social distancing
    *Browsers have a time limit on their visit to the library
    *The number of people in the library is limited to a fixed number
    *Laptop computers can be borrowed when needed

Each Library Director also has solutions to issues particular to their own location.

Amagansett Free Library. Library Director Lauren Nichols reports that, where possible, “drop in” events that have traditionally been held downstairs in The Community Room, are now held outdoors in front of the Library in the new Library Garden, planned for expansion to the side in the Spring. Meanwhile the lower level has been renovated, creating a space for students and additional workspace in the biography area. The ever popular “Circle Time” for Little Ones and for Babies are now held exclusively via, respectively, Zoom and Instagram.

East Hampton Library. The dream of “no late fees” is a reality at East Hampton Library, thanks to a decision by Director Dennis Fabiszak. As a lifelong devotee of technology and its innovations, Dennis especially appreciates the internet’s broadening the reach of The Library, increasing it to worldwide. He notes that old friends who have moved away, have been “returning” for visits. EH Library has a unique loan return system — items are stored in a giant PODS container that is parked in a parking lot space.

Hampton Library in Bridgehampton. Director Kelly Harris points out that traditional library operating skills are needed more than ever during the pandemic. Hoping to attract new visitors to the Library, Kelly has arranged to offer full U.S. Passport services, authorized by our State Department.

John Jermain Memorial Library (Sag Harbor). Time is of the essence for Director Catherine Creedon, as “Grab & Go” browsing is limited to 20 minutes, and printing/faxing/copying are limited to 15 minutes.

Montauk Library. The pandemic could not have come at a worse time for Director Denise DiPaolo, since the Library is in the middle of a major expansion, so operations are currently held in a 2,600 square foot cluster of four Cassone trailers. Denise has instituted a “work from home where possible” program for the staff, with no overlapping of shifts when working live at the Library.

Rogers Memorial Library (Southampton). Besides limiting browsing time to one hour, visitors must sign in at the Welcome Desk with proper ID and personal information for contact tracing purposes. Director Liz Burns appreciates the broadening of the pool of Guest Speakers and other experts, since speeches can now be shared via Zoom, etc.
Thanks to the dedication, caring and imagination of these Directors, our local libraries continue to serve our communities.