Bristol Librarians 'Reinventing The Wheel' During Coronavirus

BRISTOL, RI — Libraries have had to adapt during the coronavirus pandemic, the same as so many industries in Rhode Island and beyond. In Bristol, librarians are doing everything they can to keep serving the community while keeping staff and patrons safe.

"It should be noted that librarians have really had to reinvent the wheel in 2020 and continue to do so because we feel strongly about serving the public and keeping them as part of our library family," Librarian Kristin Amaral told Patch.

Rogers Free Library is offering several new services and moved popular programs online. More information is below.

• The Friends of the Rogers Free Library have generously funded a Job Strategies for Challenging Times which runs through March 2021 and is open to Rhode Island adults of all educational and employment backgrounds, with priority given to Bristol residents. If you’ve lost your job, are looking for additional income, or want to take steps to improve your career prospects in the COVID-19 economy, this series is for you.
• Our Youth services librarian, Charlotte Burnham is offering a virtual series called 'Cooking for Kids' where parents and children can follow along and learn to prepare healthy, fun snacks. She also has a fun STEM book club!
• Young adult novels are super hot right now, so our adult services librarian, Kyera Shea, is offering 'Young Adult Book Club For Adults' This is great for adults who love teen fiction (and there a lot of adults in this category)
• Tech literacy associate, Kristin Amaral now offers 15 minute crash courses for those overwhelmed by virtual meetings but who still want to learn- she covers important and relevant topics like, how to download your Facebook data and Google Drive among others
• Rogers Free Library is also lending devices like Google Chromebooks, iPads, Apple Pencil, digital microscopes and other education tools for families while we are all stuck at home or might not be able to afford them. Nice way to try before you buy.
• There are plenty of events for teens - book chats, club and now a special writing workshop series where teens can create pieces and get positive feedback.
• Our storytime librarian, Miss Erin, offers her storytime on-demand. Parents and children can come to the library and pick up a "grab & go" craft and watch along virtually. That is not the only storytime for children! Mrs Katz and her Hats hosts virtual storytime every Thursday night! Families can enjoy a storytime any time of day!