A message from Library Director Peter Coyl
Dear Library Users:
When we closed to the public two weeks ago, I was optimistic and thought we would reopen the week of March 30. However, given the spread of the Coronavirus the Governor included Libraries in
Executive Order 107
which means our reopening date is subject to that order being lifted.
Public Libraries are about you: the people, the public. Serving you is at the heart of what we do. You are what make us possible. We've tried to adapt some of what we do to provide services in these "stay at home" circumstances. Here is some of what we are doing for
you
:
- Created virtual programs and book talks. Our staff have worked hard at transitioning to provide storytimes, book discussions, and other programs in an online environment. We're working with some of the scheduled presenters to provide virtual classes and programs. Keep an eye on our newsletter and social media for information on how to participate in these programs.
- Added video tutorials for online databases. Providing one-on-one guidance on using our vast electronic resources isn't easy when we aren't in the building, but we are creating how-to videos with step-by-step instructions on accessing and using these resources.
- Expanded our offerings on Hoopla and Overdrive. We are purchasing more downloadable and streaming content to meet demand so you can access materials while our buildings are closed to the public.
- Continuing to provide research assistance, readers’ advisory, and tech help. Staff members are monitoring email accounts and chat service to do what we do best: be Librarians and help our users. Our friendly, professional Librarians are here to help you find information and answer your questions.
- Sharing content. When we see programs and resources from other Libraries and cultural institutions, we are doing our best to share them. This includes helpful articles from reliable and reputable sources on helping children during this time, working from home, and how to stay well mentally and physically.
We recognize that not everyone can access our content from home while we are closed. Recent news articles have highlighted the issues with
American's digital divide
as well as the essential nature of Public Libraries
especially during an economic downturn
. These issues are ones we contemplated as we made the difficult decision to close our buildings to the public. They also are some of the reasons that drive the excellent team at MPL to work so hard. Here is some of what we are doing for
our dedicated library workers
:
- Taking care of staff. Supervisors are contacting each staff member weekly to make sure they are safe, healthy, and have what they need. Currently, all staff are being paid for their scheduled hours while we are closed. We want to ensure staff are ready and able to reopen the Library as quickly as we are able.
- Providing technology. We deployed laptops to staff who needed them so they could work from home. All staff who are able are working from home according to their circumstances.
- Bi-weekly management team meetings. The Management Team and other key staff are meeting bi-weekly to coordinate services.
- Weekly all staff meetings. We initiated a weekly all staff meeting so staff can talk with each other, share questions, and discuss concerns.
I appreciate the support of our Board of Trustees as we have navigated into uncharted territory. Their dedication to the Library and its users is remarkable, and their trust in me has been a boon.
There is no crystal ball to reveal when we will be able to reopen our doors to our public; though every day is one day closer to being able to do that. In the meantime we'll continue to do our best to reach you with technology and serve the people of Montclair. We appreciate your understanding and support and hope to see you very soon.
Cordially,
Peter Coyl
Library Director
