CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Libraries are closing during the coronavirus crisis, but they are offering free WiFi in their parking lots and working on more online options.

Cuyahoga County and Cleveland public library branches have maintained strong WiFi signals so people could use their free internet outside the building.

Now Heather Soyka, an assistant professor in Kent State University’s Graduate School of Information Science, says libraries are working on new ways to help their communities. They’ve started collecting the names of children’s authors who are recording videos of them reading books or giving drawing lessons.

They are increasing spending on online audio and video streaming services like hoopla and increasing their collection of ebooks, Soyka said.

“Librarians are all over this,” she said. “They are on the front line trying to get resources out to their patrons. It’s been amazing to watch.”

Cleveland Public Library spokeswoman Kelly Woodard said the library has had WiFi for 20 years and will not shut it off at any of its main library downtown or 27 branches in neighborhoods. You can log in from your car, or when the weather is warmer, outside.

“Our WiFi is always on and open to the community,” Woodard said.

In 2019, patrons accessed the WiFi for 746,204 sessions, she said. They have access to 815,693 ebooks, 669,406 audiobooks and music and 94,819 videos.

The library has also compiled a list of resources to help students learn from home.

The Cuyahoga library plans to provide drive-up service at 11 branch locations and is working through the logistics of delivering that service and rerouting materials on hold.

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