During a regular (I’m not going to use the word “normal” because I don’t know what it means anymore) year, we at the Warminster Library would be with you, in the library, with programs and displays and computer use and reading recommendations and storytimes and toys and games for kids of all ages.
We can’t do that this year. Since March, I haven’t been able to walk out of my office and talk with you. I don’t hear the laughing and singing of storytime participants, or the small talk of those using our computers. A library devoid of the most important part: its living, breathing, participating users, is a quiet, inert library indeed.
Libraries exist and thrive because of their people. They are both representative and distinct from its community. And in this time when our community is not in the library, we’re striving to overcome the distinct distance from you. Our building may be closed, but the Library is still open online and on our website for research, learning & help with the home classroom lessons, and more.
Find out what's happening in Warminsterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
To this end, we’re offering all sorts of online programs for all ages: storytimes, trivia, group movie watch parties, health and wellness programs, financial programs. We’re also finding ways for you to travel outside your home with links to virtual train rides, zoo cameras, amusement park rides. Links to educational and edutational resources pepper our social media as well. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for all those offerings.
Like our physical collection, we’re striving to offer something for everyone. Our online resources such as Hoopla, Overdrive and CloudLibrary are great ways to keep reading. In fact, Hoopla just increased its borrows to 12 per patron per month. That’s 3 books, movies, and more a week for you to check out. All you need is a library card.
Find out what's happening in Warminsterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
If you don’t have a library card, please apply for an e-card (https://buckslib.librarymarket.com/). This gives you access to all our electronic resources and online books. And when we reopen, come in and exchange your e-card for a regular card to be able to access everything we have. If you come into the Warminster Library, we will reimburse your $1 e-card fee. It’s our way of saying thanks and welcome to the Library.
Right now, I’m working on what reopening is going to look like. It will be phased, and most programs will continue to be virtual instead of face to face. I don’t completely know what the Library is going to look like when we reopen. I don’t know what the community and the world are going to look like when we reopen. But we will reopen and we will do our best to serve you and deliver the outstanding Warminster Library experience you know and love. So stay tuned, stay informed, and stay safe. And I can’t wait to see you when we do open our doors.
Reach out with questions or comments: reedt@buckslib.org
