Graves County Public Library is adding innovative ways to stay connected to the community by expanding its materials and activities virtually.
For Graves County Public Library, their focus is not only books, education, and research. The library also offers a welcoming space, digital access, Lego challenges, family crafts and community events.
When the COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges for public libraries, the Graves County Public Library took action and adapted quickly to continue to serve their community. Their in-house programming has been paused, but they now offer digital library cards, which allow users to surf a database online, giving them access to movies, TV shows, e-books, music, and audiobooks. The library also offers a new Scholastic Teachables database, which includes homeschooling links, printable materials, and other educational resources to help kids, teachers, and parents with virtual learning.
The library has joined the new “virtual world,” offering online events such as “Story Hour” with crafts every Friday on Facebook. Families can sign up for the virtual party, stop by the library to pick up supplies, and join together on Facebook to read a story and enjoy a craft completely free of charge. While the Story Hour event is designed for children preschool to elementary age, the library also offers events for all ages, including Virtual Lego Challenges, Virtual Adult Paint Party, and Virtual Teen Night.
Deana Gschwind, Graves County Public Library Director, explained the ways the library is striving to stay in touch with the community by humbly stating, “We are just going to try some things and see how they work. All trial and error.”
For many in the community, virtual learning causes a hurdle due to the need for internet access. The library recognized that not all members of the community have access to reliable internet service and wanted to provide that service so all could participate in their virtual learning and activities. As a result, the library recently purchased 40 Wi-Fi hot spots, which allow any community member to access internet, free of charge. A hot spot may be checked out from the library by anyone over the age of 18 and taken to their home or the location they need to access the internet.
“We hope that these hot spots will help kids that need to do schoolwork virtually and may not have access to internet otherwise,” says Deana.
While the library is currently adapting to the virtual world, they are looking toward a bright future with even more to offer to their community. The library is currently under construction and will be adding a new community room and garden. The space will be utilized for outdoor summer reading programs and features a literacy trail that community members can use to explore the outdoor space surrounding the library or relax and read a book while surrounded by nature. The community room and garden will also serve as a space for community members to host or attend events and banquets. The unique space can host approximately 100 people comfortably, and there is no fee unless food is served, and cleaning will be needed. The library broke ground on the project in April 2019 and continues to work toward completion.
“The overall goal for our community is to provide a welcoming, cultural space that is inclusive for everyone and that everyone in Graves can enjoy,” says Deana. Graves County Public Library is open and welcoming people indoors while taking extra safety measures and precautions. You can visit the library in-person Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 AM – 8 PM, and Wednesday and Saturday from 9 AM – 5 PM. You can find information on digital library cards, virtual events, community resources, and more on their website: gravescountypubliclibrary.org or on their Facebook and Instagram pages. For more information, call the Graves County Public Library at 270-247-2911
