Southwest Public Libraries getting closer to closing book on pandemic

Southwest Public Libraries has turned a page in the COVID-19 pandemic era.

The library system resumed normal hours Sept. 1 at its Grove City branch, 3959 Broadway, and at the Westland Area Library 4740 W. Broad St. in Columbus.

The libraries also have begun holding in-person programs in the buildings for the first time since the pandemic arrived in March 2020.

More people are spending more time in the library, "and we're loving it," library director Meredith Wickham said.

"You don't get in and stay in the library field if you don't love the hub of people coming in and using the library and its services," she said. "That's what it's all about for us."

Attendance for the first in-house events for adults was smaller than the usual turnout for prepandemic programs, but that was not surprising, Wickham said. 

Some people don't realize in-person events were returning, and others still might be hesitant to attend as COVID concerns linger with the delta variant, she said.

People have gotten used to the "new normal" of contactless pickup of reserve items, Zoom programs and take and make activity kits at libraries, and those formats likely will continue even after the pandemic is over once and for all, Wickham said.

"For some people, that just fits their lifestyle and schedule," she said. "It's like grocery delivery. That's something I had never thought about before, but as a working person, it's a convenient option."

The library buildings have been open to the public since March 8.

Patrons initially were asked to come in only for limited browsing and use of computers and printers. Longer computer times and limited seating were added in May, and by July, additional access to study tables were available and patrons were able to work on their laptops in the library.

Both library buildings have been open for regular hours: 9:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m Fridays and Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

The libraries will offer a variety of programming for all ages this fall, and the slate will include in-house events and virtual and take-home options, as well, Wickham said.

"The virtual programs have been particularly popular with teens, and I expect that will continue because of the transportation issues they have," she said.

Details about all of the programs are available at swpl.org or in the library's Happenings newsletter, Wickham said.

Preschool-age children can attend storytime programs in person once again, although in a different venue.

Southwest Public Libraries is partnering with local parks and community centers to offer weekly outdoor storytimes through October, weather permitting.

The programs will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Mondays at Town Center Park, 3387 Park St., Grove City; 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesday at Carl Frye Park, 318 Darbyhurst Road, Columbus; and 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Prairie Township Community Center, 5955 W. Broad St., Galloway.

Seventy-two children and parents attended the first storytime held Sept. 13 at Town Center Park, said Lore Lehr, Grove City Library youth-services librarian.

It was the first in-person story time held since March 2020, she said.

"It was pretty emotional for us," Lehr said. "We've been doing virtual storytimes that we prerecord, but it's just not the same without the children being there in front of you."

A storyteller has to imagine the reaction of youngsters during a virtual program, she said.

"You can see how they're reacting in person and have a personal interaction based with the child based on that reaction," Lehr said. "It makes it a more meaningful experience for the child."

And that goes for the storyteller, too, she said.

The program scheduled for Sept. 20 at the Town Center Park was canceled because of rain concerns, Lehr said. 

Decisions on whether storytimes will need to be canceled will be posted on Facebook and at swpl.org by 9:30 a.m. on a storytime day, she said.

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