TALES FROM THE FOX:

Winnefox Libraries in the Time of COVID

During this pandemic, your libraries' staff have been pivoting to remote programming, offering curbside pick-up, and collaborating with schools and businesses. Even when libraries have been "closed" librarians have been hard at work providing services and strengthening communities. Details below!

Internet Access When & Where Needed

When libraries were forced to close their doors in March, they knew immediately how important internet access would be to their communities. Providing hotspots and extending Wi-Fi beyond the library building has been a way for libraries to provide services, regardless of their building's open status.

Hotspots: Circulating hotspots allow patrons to check out and take home internet access points. If your home is within the Sprint service area, Winnefox hotspots will provide internet in your home. They are free and available to anyone with a library card. For your home, your cottage, or your next road trip, place a hold on a hotspot now. Extended Wi-Fi: All Winnefox Libraries allow 24/7 access to free Wi-Fi. With the start of the pandemic, many libraries moved their access points allowing greater service. Wifi was now available in their parking lots and outside the building. Need to attend an evening Zoom meeting or login to check your email? You can do that now from the comfort of your own car. See the Waushara Argus article about the Redgranite Library and this service. Additional hotspots and expanded Wi-Fi services were made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through their CARES Act Grant. . .

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A New Kind of Storytime

How do you keep kids engaged and reading when they are not coming into the library for storytime? You take Storytime to them.

290 days and counting: On March 18, the Patterson Memorial Library in Wild Rose uploaded their first "Storytime at Home" to Facebook. Since then, librarians Erin and Kent Barnard have uploaded a morning Storytime every weekday. With puppets, books and drawing, Storytime at Home has the same joy and learning as in-person programming, while fitting into busy families’ schedules. Dial a Story: Oshkosh Public Library is going old-school with their remote Storytime, introducing Dial A Story. Take a break from screens and call anytime: (920) 770-2760. Stories are changed weekly.  And they're not the only Winnefox library to embrace the new format – enjoy more storytimes remotely at the libraries below. ‌

Markesan Public Library

Ripon Public Library

Spillman Public Library

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See more of the services provided for you by each of Winnefox’s 30 member libraries.

Winnefox Library System | Website