Northwest CT libraries stay busy online during coronavirus shutdown

The Torrington Library is closed to the public, but there’s plenty of activities available online. The Torrington Library is closed to the public, but there’s plenty of activities available online. Photo: File Photo / Hearst Connecticut Media Photo: File Photo / Hearst Connecticut Media Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close Northwest CT libraries stay busy online during coronavirus shutdown 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

TORRINGTON — Libraries around the state were closed by an executive order in March, but since then many of them have moved their programs online, providing everything from storytime to activities for all ages.

In Torrington, library Director Jessica Gueniat is busy at home, tending to her 3-year-old son while managing her staff. It’s all done in the name of social distancing, but she and her staff are working as a team.

“When libraries were first closed to the public, we had staff still going in, but we wanted to follow any directives from the state, so now we’re all working from home and promoting our online resources,” Gueniat said. “A big part of that was having people apply for library cards online. We’ve done at least 100 new cards, and that opens the door for people to use our databases.”

Those databases include OverDrive, which provides access to free downloadable eBooks, eMagazines, and eAudiobooks; Mango Languages, which teaches real conversations in more than 60 languages; and Lynda.com, a LinkedIn educational site that includes more than 5,700 courses and videos on web design, web development, IT, education/instruction, media production, and business. Another popular site is Creativebug, which has online art and craft classes taught by designers and artists. Users can download patterns, templates, and recipes, Gueniat said.

Staff members are also doing storytime on Facebook. “We’ve been featuring activities like that for families, and we’ve gotten a lot of (positive) feedback on those,” Gueniat said. “People are happy to spend time at a storytime.”

The library’s website also provides community information related to the coronavirus.

“Staff shifted the library’s focus a little more, and we’re putting together a list of some well-vetted, trusted resources, like organizations that deliver groceries, who’s doing curbside delivery, AA and NA meetings; things like that,” Gueniat said.

In Winsted, the Beardsley Library is also offering activities on Facebook Live, and its website features upcoming events residents can attend virtually, including bingo, cooking classes and craft activities.

“The library has been working behind the scenes on plans to offer programming remotely to the community through its Facebook page and website, where there are an abundance of resources available for people to use,” said Director Karin Taylor. “The online calendar is currently being updated to include virtual events, and people are encouraged to go to the website to sign up for the library’s mailing list to stay up-to-date with information.”

Teen and children librarians have scheduled weekly activities on Facebook, and staff is available to answer questions remotely using email or responding to phone messages as quickly as they can. All “live” event recordings can also be found on the library’s website by following the link to “Fun Activities to do from Home.”

Residents can also sign up for new library cards virtually so they can access online resources, including an extensive collection of audio and electronic books and Mango Languages. The link to register as a new borrower can be found on the library’s home page.

Anyone with questions can email ktaylor@beardsleylibrary.org.

At New Hartford’s Licia and Mason Beekley Community Library, staff has added dozens of informative links for members to use for research and entertainment, including the Norfolk Chamber Orchestra, which is providing live music on its own Facebook page.

The Morris Public Library is holding a remote interactive engagement for all ages in April, “What are you reading?” Those who just finished a fiction or non-fiction book can share it by submitting a photo to the library’s Facebook page and a short review. Anyone with questions can email egranoth@biblio.org or visit morrispubliclibrary.net

At the Scoville Memorial Library in Salisbury, a staff member is in from 2-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday to answer the phone at 860-435-2838. Patrons can email scovlibn@biblio.org, for help with streaming services or questions.

“For your amusement, education and entertainment, click on Diversions where you'll find yoga poses, museum tours, virtual book channel and much more, all updated daily,” wrote Laurence Davis-Hollander, program coordinator.

Scoville has also added a large selection of new e-books for cardholders, and has held several programs using the ZOOM app, so visitors can virtually attend. It’s also offering curbside pickup, access to the library’s subscription to the New York Times, and access to Acorn TV (British series), Hoopla, Kanopy (movies) and Libby/Overdrive, to name a few.

The Torrington Historical Society has also gone digital, providing research opportunities, an online downtown walking tour, the John Norton Brooks Lantern Slide Show and other events. For research questions, staff may be reached at torringtonhistorical@snet.net Learn more at www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org

Torrington library patrons are using the site regularly, the director said. “We’re seeing a lot of online activity — without a doubt, the numbers have doubled,” she said. “A lot of audiobooks are being downloaded, and we’re tracking those numbers to see what people are doing. Tumblebooks gave us a free subscription until August 31, with math lessons, storybooks, all kinds of things. That portal is open to public libraries now.”

Gueniat is also tracking the age of users since the start of the library shutdown. “It’s people over 65,” she said. “Students and parents are more geared toward their school portals right now, and there’s a very strong Facebook presence online. The older generations are definitely using the library portals and resources.”