We just want to let everyone know that we know you are missing the library and the staff is missing you all being there, too. The staff did work for the first week of closure, but now they are working at home, taking some online classes and training and doing planning work for when we can reopen.
First, although everyone’s books were set to be due on April 1, it is not likely the library will be open then. DON’T WORRY ABOUT FINES. No fines will accrue during this time. The library will simply extend your due dates until we do open. If you are finished with the books or movies that you have, you may still drop them off in the outside book drop.
The Health Fair that was scheduled for April has been postponed.
Our Book Club did not meet at its regular time in March, but we have worked out a solution. Some of us have been practicing using the Zoom program that allows us to have a virtual meeting. We’ve had a couple of trial runs with part of our group and we’re going to have our virtual Book Club on Tuesday, March 31.
One thing some of our staff have been doing behind the scenes is finding online activities for you and your children to take advantage of while you are at home. You may find these on the Dade County Public Library’s Facebook page and I will list a few of them here. Thanks to our new Children’s Specialist Cristy Ballard and the assistant director of the Cherokee Regional office, Chelsea Kovalevskiy, for these helpful suggestions.
First, and for all ages, if you have a library card, you can download ebooks, audiobooks, and emagazines from RBDigital. Go to our website at chrl.org for all kinds of activities and resources.
Want to learn another language? Try Mango. Did you know we have a platform called eRead Kids that is full of audiobooks and ebooks for children of all ages? You don't even need to create an account, just login with your existing PINES card and PINES password.
Normally, patrons can check out free passes for the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, but of course that is not possible right now. But go to their Facebook page (Center for Puppetry Arts) to learn more about puppets and to see some free puppet shows. I caught Aesop’s Fables today.
This is great news and some of you will be very excited! Normally, Ancestry.com Library Edition is free to use at the library only. We are so excited to announce that from now until April 30, you can ACCESS ANCESTRY LIBRARY EDITION FROM HOME! You will need the current GALILEO password, which you can get by calling our regional office at (706) 638-2992. So if you’ve been interested in Ancestry, here’s your chance to try it for free from home.
This sounds like fun: Tired of being stuck at home? Let's get out of this world with story time! Follow the link below to watch astronauts read fun stories from space! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpotjVqWv3KfGHjWztjPKgg
Find more fun and educational activities by going to the library’s Facebook page at Dade County Public Library or to the library’s website at chrl.org.
Stay safe and keep reading.
Linda Wilson is everybody's favorite retired English teacher and a faithful library volunteer.
