It’s been five weeks since Botetourt County Libraries closed facilities in the interests of public safety, and what a whirlwind! Let’s take an updated look at what’s going on at our new virtual-only library. Our buildings may look quiet now that our librarians are working from home, but it’s a beehive of activity behind the scenes!
Library facilities will be closed to the public until at least June 10, in accordance with the governor’s stay-at-home order and Botetourt County closures. At that point, we will likely re-open services slowly in phases rather than all at once. Our book drops are closed, and we are not loaning any physical materials due to safety concerns for both the public and our librarians. Some of you have asked about curbside pickup services, which we would love to do but do not yet have compelling data to indicate that it is safe enough to implement. If that changes as new scientific studies come out, we’re ready to roll!
All due dates have been extended to July 1. Public wifi is still available 24/7 in library parking lots for drive-up access. Librarians are now available for live phone help Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and you can leave a voicemail after hours.
Do you miss Story Times and special programs? We’re taking them virtual! Join Miss Jackie, Miss Jaime and Miss Meagan for family Story Time on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m., posted on YouTube and Facebook. We hope to add more events, including science shows and guest presenters.
Of course, our digital library never closes. You can check out e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines on any device (you don’t have to have an e-reader) using Overdrive/Libby and RBDigital, and some popular books now have no wait period! Contact us for a special phone or virtual appointment if you need help getting set up with digital resources.
-Julie Phillips
Botetourt County Libraries
