Being Thankful

It's that season when we are reminded to be thankful. Here at the Russell County Public County we are thankful for so many things--most of all, for you, our library patrons. We seek to serve our community and you allow us to do that. Books, computers, magazines, movies...we can't do it all, but we try to cultivate a community of lifelong learners through reading, digital connectivity, access to information resources, and programming. (That's our mission statement!)

We are thankful for the RCPL Board of Trustees. These folks serve without any compensation and always seek to have the library be a better place and meet the needs of our community. They make sure the library is a good steward of the resources we are given. We are also thankful for our local governments who entrust us with resources to provide services for our community.

We can't neglect our volunteers. We are especially thankful for the folks that volunteer for the library. Some of them are Friends of the Library--library volunteers, who help us staff tables at community events, decorate the libraries, and raise money. Some of them are volunteers from other community organizations, like the Master Gardeners. They all fill in the gaps where our resources are stretched too thin.

And as library director, I'm most thankful for the library staff. Our staff come in every day. Some days they help someone find the book, movie, or relative (think family history and genealogy!) they were seeking. Some days...well, let's just say, everyone remembers the bad days, like when the heavy downpour flooded the meeting room and everyone took a shift with the shop vacuum! Some days they keep a little frown, thinking about the patron they couldn't help, wondering what they can do better next time. That's why I'm so thankful for the staff. They come in every day ready to do good and serve the community.

Posted by Kelly McBride Delph

Reopening the Libraries

Resuming Regular Operations...sweet words to the library staff.
    
We have a phased reopening plan, subject to approval and change. Our primary concern is the health and safety of our patrons and staff. And we will change our plan anytime we deem it safe and prudent. Phase 1 and 2 are getting staff back in the building to prepare for reopening under state and local emergency guidelines.

When we reopen, we will expect you to respect the 6' social distancing rule while you are on the library property. You will see public (and staff) areas have been rearranged to better accommodate social distancing. We will have an entrance and exit door, to facilitate social distancing. We have a sneeze guard at our Circulation Desk and staff will be wearing masks and/or gloves. We hope you will wear a mask while in the building, too. (We have some to loan--washed after every use--because we are a library!) We take your safety and ours very seriously.

"WHEN?!" you ask. After Memorial Day, during Phase 3, we will resume curbside pickup and computer use by appointment. Computer use will be limited--to economic development and business needs, such as un/employment applications, faxing, and printing. Then we transition to library visits by appointment, followed by 'regular' operations--open doors but social distancing as long as recommended by health agencies. Lebanon Library reopens first, followed by Honaker Community Library--after we work the kinks out of our plan! Once Lebanon reopens, patrons in an at-risk population may come in between 9 am and 10 am.

We miss seeing our regulars. We know that members of our community depend on the library for work, pleasure, and education. You use computers (for employment, business, fun, communication, and more); check out books, DVDs, and magazines; send copies or faxes, and use the wifi. The only thing you CAN still do is use our wifi and download. You can download books and magazines and music.

Staff have been working during the closure. Learning via online webinars, and in staggered shifts, in the buildings. You'll see changes to make it easier to find what you want in the library.  We will even try to help you find things you didn't know you wanted!

We look forward to reopening. But we understand if you want to stick with using curbside service for a while. Check here soon for an update on the Summer Reading Program for children, teens, and adults. And remember, you are...
#saferathome

posted by Kelly McBride Delph

Welcome Roberta!

Honaker Community Library is pleased to welcome Roberta Hubbard to our staff as the new Circulation Assistant. Roberta is a lifelong resident of Russell County; she grew up in Drill and presently resides in Swords Creek with her husband and son. She was graduated with the class of 1984 from Honaker High and attended SVCC for 1 1/2 years. Roberta has several years of experience working in the public school system, has taught Sunday school since the age of 16 and also performs numerous other church activities. Roberta also home schooled her son for nine years. She is very friendly, loves books and helping patrons. Roberta is a welcome addition to our library.