Spokane city and county libraries engage their digital side during COVID-19 pandemic

Libraries serve as community hubs, connecting individuals with much-needed resources and information. Fulfilling that mission while library doors are closed during the stay-home order has required both creativity and ingenuity.

“Libraries are often early adapters,” said Gwendolyn Haley, Spokane County Library District’s public services manager for education and enrichment. “We’re in new territory finding out what works for the community.”

The SCLD recently facilitated a virtual book club, featuring the Big Library Read from OverDrive. Readers were able to chat online about the book “Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic: A Comedian’s Guide to Life on the Spectrum,” by Michael McCreary.

Feedback was positive. One participant said, “It’s just nice to connect with other people.”

A partnership with KSPS resulted in a virtual storytime for kids.

“Bukola Breczinski (Education Director at KSPS) contacted me and asked if we would be interested in reading stories and talking about activities families could do related to the books we read,” said Mary Ellen Braks, SCLD public services manager.” My early learning librarians and I have been learning to film ourselves at home to share with the families that watch KSPS. It’s all in an effort to make books, stories and activities more accessible to the families.”

Likewise, the Spokane Public Library is finding innovative ways to offer services to the community.

In addition to a virtual book club and Spring Reading Program, the city libraries launched a YouTube channel.

“With in-person library programs canceled through June, staff has taken to YouTube to bring customized Spokane programming to our customers,” said Amanda Donovan, director of marketing and communications for Spokane libraries. “You can see kids’ book reviews, story time, knitting or cooking demos and more.”

Knowing many residents are confused about how to access financial help, the city libraries dialed in to an old-fashioned connection – the telephone.

“We’re staffing a Financial Helpline, where Spokane Public Library staff will operate as resource navigators to take calls and work one-on-one with callers to connect them with local, regional, state and federal resources for financial assistance related to COVID-19,” Donovan said. “This resource is available for any business or individual in Spokane County.”

Unsurprisingly, Spokane County Library District is seeing a surge in many of its online offerings.

“Just after the stay-home order went into effect, the library district made instant library cards available,” said Jane Baker, SCLD communication and development director. “Someone applying online can get instant access to library materials rather than having to come into a library. So far, 383 new cards have been issued through this link.”

Additionally, Ancestry.com is up 198% in usage.

“This resource is usually available in-library only, but during this time, Ancestry has allowed for in-home use and people are really using it,” Baker said.

And teens are accessing academic aid.

HelpNow an online resource featuring live tutors has seen a 106% usage increase.

“TeenBookCloud providing materials for that age group is up a huge 738%,” Baker said. “The district has doubled the amount of online purchases to shorten waitlists, and expanded offerings in its streaming service, Hoopla for music, movies, and TV shows.”

Though libraries remain closed, Haley has noticed people in library parking lots taking advantage of the ongoing free Wi-Fi access.

Bottom line? Both city and county libraries are rising to meet the needs of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re still here hard at work, finding ways to connect people so we can continue to learn, grow and thrive,” Haley said.