Easton Public Library Closed, But Still Serving Patrons

The Easton Public Library building may be closed to the public, but the staff members are very busy working from home. The Library has initiated a number of ways for the community to access information and stay connected. Effective Friday, March 27, the Library launched a Live Chat platform for patrons to ask questions, which will be answered immediately by a staff member. Four staff members have been assigned to monitor the Live Chat feed in rotating shifts during the hours of 10:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday, and between 10:00am and 3:00pm on Saturday. Live Chat can be accessed on the lower left hand corner of the Library's website, eastonlibrary.org.

The staff has created #howyadoineaston on Facebook and Instagram, on which they are posting videos and photos showing how they are dealing with this crisis while working from home. Community members are encouraged to post their own content as well. Staff members are also posting videos highlighting the Library's many digital resources, which can provide a wealth of information for residents during this time. Over the coming weeks, staff members will also be posting suggestions for downloadable eBooks, eAudio, and their favorite binge-worthy TV series. We have also added a Fun Online Activities Page, which is full of links to free online activities, like virtual museum tours, story times and art classes with authors, and live zoo cams. A Coronavirus information page was also added.

All fines will be waived during this time, and all library cards that are set to expire in March or April will be automatically renewed until the end of May. The Book Drop is locked, so patrons should not attempt to return any items at this time. Returns will be accepted when the Library reopens for regular operations.

Kristine Oulman, Youth Services Librarian, has initiated Zoom Storytime and she's looking forward to connecting with kids and their families for other virtual programs going forward. The next Zoom Storytime is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31.

While working from home, members of the staff are also taking advantage of Professional Development webinars and Zoom meetings on a wide range of topics.

“This is such a difficult, unprecedented time for all of us,” said Lynn Zaffino, Library Director. “While navigating the waters of this 'new normal,' we are doing all we can to serve the community. I am so thankful to my staff for stepping up to the challenge of working from home and being flexible and open to whatever is required of them. We welcome suggestions on anything else the Library can do at this time. And we are certainly looking forward to the day that the Library can reopen and get back to normal operations. Until then, all of us at the Easton Public Library wish all residents of Easton and our neighboring communities good health.”

To contact staff via mail, visit the Library's staff page at eastonlibrary.org/contact-us.