Throughout most of 2020 and into 2021, many people have been left with limited options to fill their free time due to pandemic-related closures and restrictions. A recent report to the Glidden City Council shows residents turned to their local library in large numbers to help fill those gaps. According to Library Director, Erin Wolf, the library was closed from mid-March into June in response to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ initial Proclamation of Disaster Emergency. Even with that down time, Wolf says they processed nearly 5,300 transactions throughout 2020, a 27 percent increase compared to 2019.
Wolf adds they did see declines in two areas, in-person attendance and computer usage, which should be expected considering the circumstances. Wolf has nearly 25 years of experience working in libraries with most of them in Glidden. She says nothing even comes close to the types of programming adjustments were been forced to make to continue operations.
Wolf is proud the library was able to expand on the services they offer, despite the challenges. Program flexibility will remain critical for the next several months as the coronavirus vaccine rollout continues, but plans are coming together to offer a “normal” summer reading program for the community. She says the popularity of the library during such a difficult year shows how it is to its patrons.
Wolf has already laid most of the groundwork for the 2021 summer reading program. She says they have booked several performers and are prepared to move shows outside if physical distancing guidelines are still in place midway through the year. Details on those programs will be made available as the dates draw nearer.
