Slice of Life Day 19: A New Normal?

I don’t think I’m quite at a “new normal” because this week has definitely been weirder than most. The library is closed to the public, but the staff is coming in every other day to get some work done. So rather than my typical fully staffed library, every day I have half the staff. And that means inevitably I need to talk with someone who isn’t in until tomorrow. But, what I really appreciate is that all my staff is getting paid for all the hours they would typically be working. I’m so happy that at least no one has to worry about paying the bills right now.

Boredom Busters

There are publishers, authors, and illustrators doing their best to offer what they can. Just look to social media for read alouds on social media, drawing lessons, discussion questions, activity sheets, and ways for socially distanced teachers and librarians to still provide services to families and patrons. You can see an incomplete list on my blog from the other day!

Yesterday, I was able to catch up with a children’s librarian and figure out a game plan to offer a Facebook live storytime and chapter book read aloud for Friday. I was also able to start a test on doing an inventory of our materials on just one collection – board books. I’ve got about half the books scanned and then I need to figure out how to run reports after that. I was also able to reach out to Tumblebooks for additional resources to offer patrons at home. And, I’ve got some information pulled together to talk with my circulation manager to see if we can offer some electronic access cards for patrons who want to use our eLibrary from home.

Community Helpers

I have the utmost respect for not only doctors and nurses, but the employees at grocery stores, and people working in restaurants still able to serve take-out and delivery. They are all working their hardest to take care of their communities. Being in a service field, it’s hard not to be able to serve the public as we normally do. Which is why I appreciate these people even more. Although we have plenty of food in the house, we ordered pizza for dinner last night to help support a local business. Eventually, we’ll all be up and running again, but I worry about local businesses who need the community’s support always and now more than ever!

But, I’m trying to remember what Mr. Rogers’ mom told him as a child, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping”. There are people in every community helping in every way they know how. They are trying to provide services in a time when nothing is normal and everything is new. Here’s to looking for the positive in the midst of the unknown!

This is my second year participating in the Slice of Life Challenge. I’ll be posting brief posts that show a glimpse of my life in story-format. A slice of my life as a librarian and blogger that I hope you enjoy!