Who could have predicted that my first year as the Alamance County Public Library Director would have ended in unprecedented times? Patrons, staff, community members, and the entire world are sharing in the stress and craziness of this pandemic and how it impacts their everyday lives. It seems that many have settled into this new normal and are now starting to question what the world will look like when we come out on the other side.
I want to take this time to remind those hurting that our community is working hard to be able to offer assistance and resources. While we can’t fix every hurt, I hope some of these things can help.
- ABSS is offering free grab and go lunches at twenty-two school locations for anyone under the age of eighteen as well as many scheduled bus deliveries to neighborhoods with transportation challenges. Check the updated list of school pick-up locations and the updated bus delivery schedule here: https://www.abss.k12.nc.us/Page/45872
- Many other organizations, churches, etc. are also working to help keep people fed during these times. Here is the United Way Food Resource Guide to find locations near you. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TrTh3cnNldXTLhRdlwu6Tcdy16wghFJZwcIm1t1PApY/edit
- Child Care Information – The Alamance Partnership for Children is still working to assist the daycares that have remained open and the parents who are now home with their children. Their newsletter is full of many resources to help parents, caregivers, and more: http://www.alamancechildren.org/newsletters.html. And, don’t forget that the Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a wonderful way to get a book every month even during Stay at Home orders: https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/NCPCALAMANCE/?chkAvalAddressData=eyJjYWxsYmFjayI6dHJ1ZSwiYWRkcmVzcyI6eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiVVMiLCJ6aXAiOiIyNzIxNSIsInN0YXRlIjoiTkMiLCJjaXR5IjoiQnVybGluZ3RvbiIsImNvdW50eSI6IkFsYW1hbmNlIiwic3RyZWV0IjoiIn19
- Small Business Owners can find information on the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program here: https://www.sbc.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/guide-to-the-cares-act. Please remember that applications are completed in conjunction with your bank.
The Alamance County Public Libraries are also working to provide resources and information for you during this time. Parents with young children are invited to join us on Facebook Live on Mondays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. for a virtual storytime. Our social media is very active; please follow us to find resources, information, and things to do.
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlamanceLibraries
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/alamancelibraries
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNI2uOEDIvKZ4iPcVaXRANw
We also have downloadable books, audiobooks, and magazines available through multiple resources: https://www.alamancelibraries.org/books-more/ebooks/. Hoopla offers streaming movies, music and television: http://www.hoopladigital.com/. There are also multiple online resources with learning and education opportunities that can be found here: https://www.alamancelibraries.org/reference-research/online-research-tools/ Library resources do require your library card number to access but for those who don’t have a card yet (or if you know someone who doesn’t, please share!), you can do this online and nothing will expire during this period! https://www.alamancelibraries.org/your-library-card/create-a-temporary-account/
I hope some of this information helps you. And I look forward to the time when you can stop by the library again!
Susana Goldman, Director
What I’m reading right now: God’s of Howl Mountain by Taylor Brown