Good afternoon Library friends,

     A physically distant hello to all of you. This newsletter is a little different than most, as we're unable to meet in person for library programs at the moment. I'd like to talk about a few of the ways you can use the library from home. I also have plans for some virtual programming this month, and of course I'm looking ahead to Bookworm in June and July.

     This month, I will be live-streaming a cooking class and a container gardening class. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more about these events. The Brown Bag Book Club has gone virtual, and we'll be meeting via Zoom on Wednesday May 20 at noon. Please register here for the invite information. We will be discussing Jennifer Robson's The Gown. Both the eBook and eAudiobook are available from Hoopla with no waiting list.

     The Youth Services Department is providing storytimes every Monday and Thursday at 10am, so kids can stay engaged with their favorite library staff. On Thursdays, the storytime includes Miss Maryjo from the Discovery Garden Family Playgroup. These events are also streamed live on the library's Facebook page.

     We have set up a few new pages on our library website to help people navigate our online resources. We now have an eLibrary page, where you'll find eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, TV and movies to borrow digitally with your library card. Visit our eLearning page for everything from the World Book Encyclopedia to Chilton car repair guides, language learning software to craft classes. Even resources like Ancestry.com, usually only available for in-library use, are currently available to access from home for free with your library card. Those pages are resources that cost money, but the library has already subscribed for you. Library staff has also compiled a list of resources that are available online for free right now. You can find that list here.

     While the library is closed, we are extending all due dates and renewing any cards that would have expired during this time. This will allow you to continue using your card to access our online resources while we are closed. If you need a library card, you can also request one online here.

     Since it is May now, we know that Bookworm is right around the corner. This year's summer reading program will be a little different than usual, but I hope that many of you will participate. This year's Bookworm runs from June 1-July 23. The goal for adults is to read for 16 hours over the course of 8 weeks (a little less than 20 minutes per day). We have again partnered with Adena Health System to provide an activity challenge, which is also 16 hours. All reading and active time should be logged online through our website.

     Please free to contact me with any questions or suggestions about virtual programming. I look forward to seeing you all soon. Take care.

Liz

Adult Services Coordinator

Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library