The Importance Of Libraries During A Pandemic

Press release from the City of Wauwatosa:

February 25, 2021

Library staff in Wauwatosa continue to stretch their capabilities to serve their patrons during a pandemic. When a parent feels overwhelmed with at-home learning, a teenager is struggling with test prep and needs one on one assistance, or an adult is continuing their learning journey on a number of topics, the library is where they all can go for help.

“We believe that the library is an especially important resource during this time. We’re responsive to the community’s needs and continue to find ways to serve our patrons, no matter what circumstance brings them to the library,” says Pete Loeffel, Wauwatosa Library Director.

The library offers escape through books and other media; helpful career and homework resources, including live tutors; and extends great empathy and understanding to all patrons.

During the pandemic, the Wauwatosa Library has made a number of creative adjustments, so that all patrons can still access resources and be sensitive to public health concerns:

• Adapted children’s events into Facebook live reading times, reaching hundreds of families (rather than a limited capacity, even before the pandemic)
• Launched a new website with reading lists for parents to explore topics they may have not heard of before. (Example book lists: Giggles Galore, Talking with Kids about Race, Unconventional Princesses, Wordless Picture Books)
• Continues to offer curbside pickup of library items

This press release was produced by the City of Wauwatosa. The views expressed here are the author’s own.