Beyond Books – Libraries During COVID-19
NEW BANDON, N.B. – When the COVID-19 pandemic set in, libraries across New Brunswick were forced to close their doors. The Upper Miramichi Community Library was one of the first to re-open, although a visit looks very different than before.
Libraries needed to take strict measures to ensure the safety of patrons and staff, such as the installation of plexiglass around the circulation desk, increased sanitization, and limited capacity. Proof of vaccination is now a requirement to enter all New Brunswick Libraries. While many patrons appreciate the safety measures, responses to the changes have been mixed, says librarian Krista Higgins, “They are used to coming in and staying and hanging out, or printing off items at the computer and perusing the internet, and they’re not happy. But I think they understand when it’s explained to them.”
When most people think about the library, they imagine a place filled with books. However, they provide so much more than reading materials. Higgins explains that the library serves as a resource centre for Boiestown, Doaktown and the surrounding areas, “We’re a rural community, we don’t have a lot of resources independently, so we do them all here at the library.”
The library offers a variety of programming for people of all ages, from newborns to seniors. Due to provincial regulations, they needed to change how they were delivered. Some activities, like their Summer Reading Club for children, were shifted online. Challenges and contests typically held at the library were hosted on their Facebook page. In place of their craft and décor workshops, they created take-home kits, so patrons could get creative from the comfort of their own homes.
Though virtual activities filled some of the needs, some challenges could not be solved through the web. Higgins explained that social isolation is a particular problem in the rural community because it is a large but sparsely populated area. Many people, especially older individuals, rely on the library and its programs to meet their social needs. After a long hiatus, they recently offered their seniors breakfast for the first time in a year. It was a huge hit, according to Higgins, “We were filled up immediately. The people that came, they just missed it, they needed it. But everyone did very well.”
Despite the challenges, the library has remained resilient. “We’re here to provide a resource, and whenever our library manager or myself see a need in our community, we run with it. [We think of] how can we fulfil it, what can we do? I believe the library is very important,” stated Higgins.
Although the pandemic has been challenging, Higgins says it has been a learning experience, encouraging libraries to discover new ways to meet the demands of their community.