While the Alamance County Public Library buildings are still closed to the public, this in no way means that we have stopped serving our community.  We are working diligently to get our buildings ready to welcome the community again with safety and social distancing precautions in place. In the meantime, don’t forget that Alamance County citizens can still apply for a library card online  https://www.alamancelibraries.org/your-library-card/create-a-temporary-account/  to get access to our online databases, downloadable books and audiobooks, and streaming movie, television and music services https://www.alamancelibraries.org/books-more/downloadable/.  

We are also offering Curbside Services at all four of our library branches Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.  Patrons can use the Library Catalog (https://catalog.alamancelibraries.org/) to search for their preferred items and place them on hold.  When you’re notified that your items are ready, call when you arrive at your library branch and we’ll meet you at the front door. 

Computer appointments are also available.  Appointments are for one hour with safety, cleanliness, face covering and social distancing practices in place.  Call your local library branch to find out the appointment times and availability.  Please leave a message if we don’t answer the phone and we will call you back.  More information can be found here: https://www.alamancelibraries.org/2020/06/24/computer-appointments-available/

Virtual programming is also going strong! Check out our videos on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AlamanceLibraries), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNI2uOEDIvKZ4iPcVaXRANw), and Instagram (https://instagram.com/alamancelibraries_) and website.  The Things to Do page under Kids & Teens features videos on Origami, Yoga, and other Storytimes.  While our in-person classes are not possible, there are now some helpful videos on some of the job and career resources and tools for job seekers on the Adult Education page. New content will be restarting in September.

And while our Summer Reading program is coming to an end, that doesn’t mean that the virtual programs, activity packets, and other resources are no longer available.  Find them all here: https://alamancelibraries.libguides.com/ImagineYourStory

Need some help finding another book to read or author you might be interested in? We have a wide variety of reading suggestion resources available on our What to Read page!  Check out the personalized readers’ advisory service, On the Shelves videos, new book lists, and more.

While our service model has had to change, we are definitely still working hard to get you the information, books, and programs you are interested in.

Public Computer Appointments begin Monday, June 29, 2020.

Admittance is for no more than two people per computer. Individuals wanting their own computer need to make a separate appointment.

Sessions will last only for one hour, and may not be extended. You may only schedule one session per day, and you may only have one session scheduled at a time. If you would like to schedule your next session at the end of your appointment, please leave time to do so. You will be asked to leave the building promptly at the end of your session.

Library staff will meet you at the door to let you into the building. Please arrive within 10 minutes of your scheduled appointment time. If you are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, or a cough, please do not come to your appointment. Give us a call and we will be happy to reschedule you.

Please use hand sanitizer before and after your session. Staff will wipe down all computers, desks and chairs between appointments.

Staff is able to provide only limited assistance at this time due to social distancing. If you feel like you will need assistance during your appointment, please plan to bring someone with you.

Please bring cash (bills under $5 and/or change) if you will need to print. Staff do not have access to change at this time.

The library is not open to the public at this time. Access to the building is for computer use only and will not provide access to browsing the materials.

Computer use is by appointment only. Appointments end at the time stated and cannot be extended.

Session times:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday

• 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday

• 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

To schedule your session, please contact your branch by phone:

• May Memorial Library: 336-229-3588
• Mebane Public Library: 919-563-6431
• Graham Public Library: 336-570-6730

Curbside service will adhere to the following guidelines:

Patrons may place items on hold via phone and the website

Once items have been pulled, you will be notified by text, email, or phone (whichever you have chosen)

Patrons should call when they arrive at the library.

• May Memorial Library: 336-229-3588
• Mebane Public Library: 919-563-6431
• Graham Public Library: 336-570-6730
• North Park Library: 336-226-7185

Items may be picked up:

• Mondays, Wednesday, & Fridays: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Be prepared to show your library card or photo I.D. when picking up items

Late fees are being suspended until the libraries reopens

Please wear a face covering when out and about

Please do not use this service if you think you are sick

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

With the announcement by Governor Roy Cooper on Saturday, March 14, that public schools would be closed for at least the next two weeks, families across our county are facing the prospect of keeping their kids engaged in learning from home.

The following resources are available to help:

Check out an updated version of this resource list here!

Spectrum: For families without access to the internet, Spectrum is offering free services. Here is an article published by WKBW, Buffalo, NY about the program: https://www.wkbw.com/news/national/coronavirus/spectrumto-offer-free-broadband-and-wifi-to-students-without-it. The phone number listed in the article for more information and to enroll: 1-844-488-8398.

Amazing Educational Resources: This is a Facebook group started by Nick Hooper from the University of Texas at Austin. The description given for the group is to be an “…educator community to share the good, bad, and ugly about the many teacher resources on the internet.” This group originally shared a Google Doc of educational companies offering free services during the school shutdown. With over 300 resources already listed, this group moved the document to the web. Visit www.amazingeducationalresources.com to view the document.

Zoom: This videoconferencing company is providing its tools to K-12 schools for free. View the article in Forbes Magazine here: Exclusive: Zoom CEO Eric Yuan Is Giving K-12 Schools His Videoconferencing Tools For Free
Scholastic: Scholastic has launched a new website, https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html, offering 20 days of articles, stories, videos and learning challenges to help keep children engaged. Activities are offered by grade level and will be updated regularly.

Storyline: An award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline offers videos of actors reading children’s books. Activity guides are included for each title to strengthen learning and comprehension. Visit www.storylineonline.net to access the videos and learn more about the organization.

Kate Messner: As a former classroom teacher and celebrated author, Kate Messner has put together a library of resources for kids, families, teachers and librarians. Access the website at https://www.katemessner.com/read-wonder-and-learn-favorite-authors-illustrators-share-resources-for-learning-anywhere-spring-2020/

Deschutes Public Library: Staff have put together a web page of YouTube and Facebook Live events being offered by children’s authors. Visit the page at DPL Children’s Authors – Read Alouds and other FaceTime Live Events.

Mental Floss: This website calls itself …”an encyclopedia of everything” and promises to offer “…smart, funny and shareable content in an upbeat and witty environment.” They recently published an article 12 World-Class Museums You Can Visit Online

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden: The Cincinnati Zoo is offering virtual safaris on Facebook Live everyday at 3:00 p.m. EST. Each day they will feature an animal and offer activities you can do at home. Follow their Facebook Page or visit their website: http://cincinnatizoo.org/ for more information.

MAKE Paducah: This private business offers a DIY painting studio, meeting space, and a gift boutique in Paducah, Kentucky. Due to school closures, they are offering Facebook Live art lessons for free. Check out their Facebook Page for more details.

The Shirley Journey: This blog recently posted a “30 Days of LEGO© Play” calendar. The article also gives good tips on cleaning LEGO©. Read the article here or go directly to the printable calendar.

Virtual Field Trips: This google document has been shared widely on Facebook, but the original creator is not linked in the resource. The links in the document do access to the resources listed. Find the document here.

Kottke.org: Founded in 1998, this blog is produced by Jason Kottke and dedicated to covering “…the essential people, inventions, performances, and ideas…” that increase human potential. A recent article, Paris Museums Put 100,000 Images Online for Unrestricted Public Use gives links to Paris Musées, a collection of 14 museums in Paris that have made copies of their artwork available online for free.

Science Mom and Math Dad: Science Mom has a YouTube channel with videos on different science concepts for elementary age kids. Science Mom is teaming up with Math Dad to offer a daily show featuring science and math activities, crafts, and games. Follow their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheScienceMom/ for the live session, or visit Science Mom on YouTube for the recorded videos.

Walkabouts: Walkabouts are active learning adventures for kids in grades K-2. These movement rich activities are being made available free of charge to families and teachers during the extended school closures. Click here for more information on how to access these free resources.

Emmy Kaster: This children’s book author and illustrator is using her Instagram account to highlight resources available to keep children engaged in literature. Visit her kidlitresources to see what’s available.

Growing Book by Book: This website was founded by a teacher with over 20 years of experience in early childhood educational settings. The site is dedicated to meeting the needs of every growing reader, and they offer resources for infants to beginning readers here.

Anne Frank House Virtual Tour: This virtual tour highlights the house where Anne Frank hid from the Nazis for two years. Visit the tour here.

Local Resources:

ABSS Coronavirus School Nutrition: ABSS has posted information about lunch sites that are available to children (under the age of 18) Monday through Friday. Sites are drop in and pick up only. They are anticipating expanding the program to include breakfast. For more information, check the ABSS website.

SAFE: If you are concerned about children who rely on school for meals, the Southern Alamance Family Empowerment Food Pantry is offering to help. Families in need can call 336-675-3859 for arrangements.
If you are able to help, visit the website at https://www.safealamance.org/ and click on the tab for “current needs.”

Alamance County Public Libraries’ Resources: ACPL offers a wide selection of digital resources including eBooks, eAudiobooks, and digital magazines for all ages. Information on online resources can be found at https://www.alamancelibraries.org/reference-research/online-research-tools/ or contact your local branch