During Social Distancing, Handley Regional Library System Reminds Community of Digital Library and Announces New Reading Recommendation Newsletters
While our physical buildings are temporarily closed due to the Stay-at-Home Order issued by Governor Ralph Northam, however critical library services and programs continue to meet the needs of Winchester-City and Frederick and Clarke Counties for public access to information during this time. With staff working remotely behind the scenes, the library system continues to operate their 24-hour Digital Library and has launched a new email newsletter service called Next Reads where patrons can receive reading recommendations based on genre. Both services are available on their website at www.handleyregional.org.
“It’s a published statistic that libraries improve quality of life,” says John Huddy, Director of Handley Regional Library System. “It’s our role to help provide crucial access to information and services even as we adhere to social distancing. Usage of our Digital Library has increased during this time. Patrons are using it for downloadable content including magazines, eBooks and audiobooks, online streaming for movies and TV, educational databases for online learning assistance for students of all ages, language learning help, investment tools, career development and job search help, and a lot more.”
“To complement our Digital Library is our new Next Reads monthly email newsletters that suggest what to read next based on genres you select,” adds Adrienne Davis, Adults Services Division Head for the library system. “We have over 20 newsletter genres that are specially curated by library staff. Each newsletter has a list of titles linked directly to our eBooks and audiobooks patrons can borrow – and this will expand to show physical materials when our buildings reopen to the public. This is a fantastic service and you can sign-up under ‘Next Reads’ at www.handleyregional.org/adults.”
The library system continues to respond to questions through email and social media, publishing instructional and educational content on their website, offering select online programs for kids, teens, and adults, updating library card accounts so patrons can access materials from home, and issuing new cards online for people using library materials for the first time.
“We want people to know that we are still an important resource during this time and are available to help – it’s the heart of our librarians and professional staff,” adds Matt Swain, Public Relations Manager for the library system. “We’ve ramped up our public relations efforts – both in print, on air, and online – to help communicate changes and service availability. For the latest operational updates, visit www.handleyregional.org/COVID or follow us on social media at @handleyregional.”