Avalon Library has a Good Read on This Chapter of Our Lives
In a time when closures are the new normal, the Avalon Free Public Library took a proactive step over the spring to start moving early-summer programming online. The AFPL is working to identify the best ways to connect with the community this summer, both online and on-site. Visit the library’s website for regular updates on new programs and services being offered.
In May, the library launched the social media campaign #MakingItThroughMay, encouraging patrons to enjoy a variety of digital resources including Hoopla, OverDrive and RB Digital accessing popular books, movies and magazines and then make something to post to social media for a chance to win a Kindle Fire. Projects included reading Joanna Gaines’ new book and then posting your chocolate chip cookies, or reading “How the Crayons Saved the Rainbow” on Hoopla and then posting the kids’ best rainbow pictures. Other fun projects included a recipe for frozen rosé posted on Mother’s Day, a fun bird feeder craft and more.
The AFPL has one of the most extensive collection of digital resources for patrons to enjoy while staying at home, offering access to best-selling ebooks and audiobooks, movies, television shows, magazines, investment tools and newspapers.
The staff, which also is working remotely, has been releasing highlights of digital resources and how to use them, including the New York Times and Philadelphia Inquirer, Morningstar Investment Resources, ReferenceUSA, Ancestry.com and more along with personal staff picks for favorite books, magazines and activities.
Moving forward, the library is working hard to promote a number of digital and remote classes and programs, including the launch of its annual Summer Reading Program, “Imagine Your Story,” with a partnership with READsquared allowing for digital book logs, games, activities and chances to win prizes as you read through the summer.
“The library has always valued the ability to serve patrons near and far, but in recent months we’ve been especially grateful to have tools to connect remotely with our community during this time,” says AFPL director Erin Brown. “Our current focus is to identify new and improved ways to deliver service both online and on-site in the months to come.”
Here are some program highlights! Be sure to check the calendar at avalonfreelibrary.com for the updated schedule and registration information.
Story Time with Miss Linda, 10am every Tuesday
Weekly LEGO Challenge, 10am every Wednesday starting June 24
History Center Lecture: Saints & Sinners: NJ Women in the Civil War, 1pm, June 6
Genealogy – Census Records, 10am-noon, June 11
Vegetable Container Gardening, 6-7pm, June 11
Tea Time with the Avalon History Center, 11am, June 18
Monday Funday: Polka Dot Ron, 10am, June 22
Recommended Reads with Carol Fitzgerald, 7pm, June 26
Monday Funday: Arms & Armor, 10am, June 29
Boater Safety, 10am, June 29
Other summer programs patrons can look forward to include special children’s programs on Mondays, the return of the popular technology and genealogy classes, and a variety of speakers, authors and more.
Summer will be here without a doubt and in the meantime, fear not, the Avalon Free Public Library continues to roll out its top-rated programming … digitally!
