By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer
ALLY LANASA/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
While the Worcester County Library remains closed, physical materials are available to card holders at the Berlin branch on Harrison Avenue and the other four branches through a limited to-go service.
(July 23, 2020) While all five Worcester County Library branches remain closed, public services are gradually restarting.
Worcester County residents can register
for a free digital library card to access digital content. Cards are valid for 90 days.
Digital resources, including streaming media for kids, teens and adults, are available for a computer, tablet, eReader or smartphone through a library account.
“We have seen increased usage of eBooks and downloadable audio books since our closure,” said Worcester County Library Director Jennifer Ranck. “Patrons will find a wide selection of magazines, movies, eBooks, and research databases—all you need is your library card to access. Library staff are available at all branches for anyone who needs help by phone and, of course, by email.”
A limited pickup service called “Library to-Go” offers contactless pickup of physical materials currently available at the branch a patron is visiting.
According to a recent newsletter, the library is unable to transfer items between branches at this time.
Patrons can contact a library at least 24 hours before they want to pick up materials and request up to 20 books, five DVDs, and audiobooks.
There are three ways to place an order: call the local branch between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., use the library webform or select items in the library’s catalog. When using the library catalog, patrons must limit results to their local branch by clicking the “Narrow Your Search” option.
“Staff will schedule a convenient time for patrons to pick up, and items are placed on a table just outside the branch,” Ranck said. “Staff are also able to help with recommendations since we are not allowing browsing at this time.”
The updated hours for “Library to-Go” at all branches are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
In addition, book returns are now being accepted through the outdoor book drops.
“Staff are removing materials from the outdoor book returns and using our meeting rooms to place everything on tables,” Ranck said.
Library items are being quarantined there for up to seven days before being placed into circulation for others.
Worcester County Libraries are fine-free, so any temporary charges listed on patrons’ accounts during the closure will be removed when items are checked back in.
Ranck said the next phase of reopening the Worcester County libraries is to provide access to computers and copiers by appointment.
Meanwhile, all branches are providing weekly program-to-go kits for children, as well as virtual programming, including the Summer Reading program. This year’s theme is “Imagine Your Story” and each week performers are featured. Viewers can watch through Zoom on Thursdays at 7 p.m. or view on the Worcester County Maryland Library page on Facebook four days later, Ranck said.
Upcoming virtual events include Kid’s Book Club on Tuesday at 10 a.m., Doc & Talk for adults on Tuesday at 2 p.m., Adult Virtual Book Club on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and Make Your Own Zine for Tweens and Teens on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
The library also hosts a story time program.
“Call our Dial-a-Story number, 1-888-964-2686 to hear a children’s book read by a librarian,” Ranck said. “The stories are updated every week on Wednesday and will be read by librarians from across Maryland’s Eastern Shore.”
For more information, visit http://worcesterlibrary.org.