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The library may be closed, but some of the programming will continue - in a "new normal" way.
The Missouri River Regional Library is offering virtual programs to community members after closing last week due to the spread of the novel coronavirus. MRRL Marketing Manager Natalie Newville said the library staff decided to offer virtual programming because entertainment and connection is more important now than ever.
"We just felt it was really important for us to offer the programming that we can virtually so that people can still be connected in a way that is kind of new to all of us, but kind of the same," she said.
Some of the standard programming will be offered, including Story Time, SAGA, Rhyme Time and Fiction at Noon.
There will also be new programs such as tech tutorials that will teach people how to blog or learn new internet skills. The virtual tech tutorials will be at 2 p.m. every Wednesday.
Newville said she also hopes to have some speakers do livestreams.
The library will create Facebook events for all virtual programs and post the videos in those events. For programs that require interaction, there will be a link to a virtual platform users can click on to join.
Virtual Story Time will be at 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday, where library staff will read to children.
Virtual SAGA will be at 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday. SAGA is a teen-led group that discusses matters important to LGBTQ+ teens in a supportive, confidential environment. Allies are also welcome. For login information, email [email protected].
Virtual Rhyme Time, featuring music, movement, and socialization for babies and their caregivers, will be available at 10 a.m. Friday. It is for children ages 2 and younger.
Virtual Fiction at Noon, a book club for adults, is at noon Tuesday. This month's book, "Test of Wills" by Charles Todd, will be available on Hoopla. Click here to learn how to use Hoopla for free with your library card.
You do not need a library card to join these programs, but you can sign up for a library card on the MRRL website, mrrl.org, and your library card number will be emailed to you. With a library card, you can check out eBooks and eAudiobooks and use the library's educational resources and databases.