Provided by Prince William County

While COVID-19 has everything shut down, the folks at Prince William Public Libraries have found other options. They have gone digital.

A science experiment on making a bottle rocket, LEGO® play time, story time and Music and Motion videos can be found on the library’s Facebook page.

Rachel Johnson is the library system’s communication services division chief, She said the libraries are working to get at least one video posted every day. “We’re trying to hit three a day, one for kids, one for teens and one for adults … [W]e’re always doing a kids’ virtual program every day.”

Videos for children usually come out on Monday and Tuesday mornings, Johnson said. Those videos include Music in Motion and Story Time. “We’re trying to make it consistent every week. Our programmers are just amazing. They’re stepping up to the challenge.”

Online Programs and Services

In addition to putting out videos on Facebook, the libraries are working to get other programs online, Johnson said. “We’re working on book clubs. That’s our next thing, getting the book clubs virtual.”

The library offers other online services. People who don’t have library cards can get digital cards online at the library website. This will give people full access to the library system’s Digital Library and apps, such as Libby, by OverDrive, hoopla Digital, ebooks and audio books, Johnson said.

The main thing for the library system is to serve the community in the best way it can for now, Johnson said. “Right now, we need to stay connected to our community, and it’s important that our community knows that we’re still there for them.” The libraries will continue to provide programs and the Digital Library, with access to ebooks, audio books and other resources, Johnson said. “Our mission is to serve the community.”

For more information about library programs, visit pwcgov.org/library or facebook.com/PrinceWilliamPublicLibraries.