Nutley librarians continue to offer great programming during pandemic

NUTLEY, NJ — Like every other library in the country, Nutley Public Library was forced to close when the COVID-19 pandemic began to shut down nonessential businesses in an effort to keep people home to prevent the spread of the virus. But that didn’t stop the staff from working, setting up online programs and resources for residents to access from their homes. And the response from the community has proved that libraries are essential.

“When Gov. Murphy signed Executive Order No. 107 which ordered all libraries to close their doors to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Nutley Public Library, keeping the safety of their staff and patrons in mind, complied,” interim library Director Kiran Patel told the Nutley Journal. “Working remotely, the staff of the Nutley Public Library quickly adapted and found innovative ways to continue to provide access and information to the community. In response, the Nutley Public Library has extended online renewal policies; expanded online services such as reference, e-books and streaming media; adapted and launched virtual programming for all ages; and is offering digital BCCLS e-cards for new members to have immediate access to online collections.”

Even though the library building is closed, the library is still offering an abundance of programs and supports to all Nutley residents.

“The Nutley Public Library website, nutleypubliclibrary.org, is always open. Nutley Public Library staff is offering a wide array of virtual programs that can be accessed remotely from the comfort of their homes. Programs for all ages range from virtual storytimes; maker workshops; live performances; guest lecturers; book, music and film chats; cooking clubs; online contests; games; and more,” Patel said, adding that, in addition to online research databases and language learning applications, the library website offers resources to a large variety of digital collections.

Library cardholders can use Libby by OverDrive, a platform that is fully integrated with the library’s catalog to allow readers to search for e-book or audiobook titles either from the Libby app and website, which has more than 30,000 digital items for all ages with a broad selection of fiction and nonfiction titles, or the library’s catalog at bccls.org; Hoopla, a digital lending service that has a vast collection of more than 700,000 items, including e-books, audiobooks, television, movies, music and comics, for all ages and immediately available; and RBdigital, a digital magazine stand with access to more than 250 popular magazines, including children, teen and adult selections. With RBdigital, patrons can check out as many magazines as they would like and do not need to return them. Additionally, while residents are sheltering in place, the library has increased item borrowing from Hoopla from four titles to eight titles per month.

Patel also urges all residents to participate in the 2020 Summer Reading Program. Although it began June 1, residents of all ages can still catch up for the chance to win big prizes as part of this annual event. Registration and book logging are done online at nutleypubliclibrary.beanstalk.org; teens in grades nine through 12 can register to help the library with the Summer Reading Program virtually for community service hours.

“While in-person services and spaces are currently not available, the Nutley Public Library has continued to serve patrons remotely,” Patel said. “Library patrons continue to contact the library for reference and readers advisory services, and card membership and digital collections usage has increased. As programming migrated virtually, attendance to programs such as children’s storytimes, teen gatherings, author events, book clubs and performances continues to remain consistent. In times of uncertainty, familiar programming and faces provided a sense of normalcy.”

The switch to virtual for the time being has actually made certain programs more accessible.

“Now that staff and patrons have gotten over the hurdles of virtual communication, and now feel more comfortable with the technology, I believe we will see an increased mix of in-person and virtual programming being offered, which will broaden accessibility throughout the community,” senior librarian Michelle Albert said.

When many people think of a library, they picture a quiet and austere environment, but these days libraries are more often meeting spaces and hangouts, offering knowledge and socialization. The temporary loss of the physical space is especially poignant for the teenagers who once gathered at Nutley Public Library for Dungeons & Dragons and STEM activities.

“No one could have predicted how this year would play out. Prior to Gov. Murphy’s executive orders in March, the library had been preparing for its annual New Jersey Maker’s Day, Free Comic Book Day and Summer Reading Program. Having to postpone many teen clubs and events was greatly disappointing, but necessary for the health and safety of everyone,” librarian Lucia Alvarez said. “The library understands that students are very busy now with their transition to online learning, but it is our hope that the library can continue to provide fun and engaging programs for teens. This summer, we plan to continue popular teen programs, such as the Teen Summer Club and Teen Summer Volunteering, virtually.”

Information and updates on teen programming will be available on the teen services website at teenservices.nutleypubliclibrary.org, as well as the Nutley Library Facebook page at facebook.com/nutleylibrary.

Nutley Public Library librarians are readily available to help research and answer reference questions for residents of all ages. Patrons can contact staff by emailing library@nutleynj.org or calling 973-667-0405, ext. 2604.

Although managing superbly in the face of the building being closed down, Nutley’s librarians are looking forward to reopening as safely as possible.

“Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the Nutley Public Library will remain closed to the public until further order from our governor,” Patel said. “But our staff is committed to helping library patrons and invites them to explore the library’s online e-resources, digital magazines, virtual programs and more. We cannot wait to welcome back our patrons to the library building. Until then, be safe and well.”