Jan Johnston is the Collection Development Coordinator for Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries. Email her at readingforfun@fvrl.org. Photo

Well, dear readers, what a different world we live in right now. While writing last week’s column, I couldn’t imagine the changes that would and are taking place each and every day. As you probably know, the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District has closed all of its library branches to the public through at least March 31. If you haven’t seen the executive director’s message to patrons about the closures, please take a minute to read her letter on our website at www.fvrl.org. This was a very difficult decision to make, but the health and safety of all library patrons and staff is of utmost importance.

While you may not be able to visit your local branch for the time being or check out physical items, please keep in mind that we offer thousands of titles in digital formats such as eBooks and eAudio. Here’s a tip about searching for titles in OverDrive. If you don’t want to have to place a hold on a title and wait in line for it (which may well be the case especially for best-selling titles), look for “Available Books” or “Available Audiobooks” links either on the OverDrive app, Libby, or on the OverDrive homepage found on the library’s website. There are many, many titles available to borrow immediately, and what’s better than that?

If you didn’t have a chance to check out Michelle Obama’s incredibly popular “Becoming,” there are multiple eBook copies available as I write this. I also saw titles by best-selling authors John Grisham, David Baldacci, Nora Roberts, Elizabeth Gilbert, Janet Evanovich, and so many more! And if you haven’t accessed our eBook and eAudiobooks collections before, be sure to go to our website and click on “Books, Music, Movies, & More” found near the top of the home page. Once you do that, you’ll find a link for “eBooks & eAudio” and from there you’ll get instructions on how to set up an OverDrive account. It’s easy, it’s free, and you’ll be able to read and/or listen to books to your heart’s content.

Stay safe and well, everyone, and please keep reading!