It has been 5 days since the library has re-opened. Now, that sounds like a short amount of time but let me tell you, it’s been great! I am so happy to be back to one of my favorite places. I know I am not the only one that feels that way.
Long before I worked here I was a patron with 4 small children and coming to the library was always the highlight of our week. Because we were here so often my kids would just whip through the books they checked out. My older children would constantly ask for book recommendations from the circulations staff, who were so helpful and engaging with their suggestions. We always left with way more books then we intended to!
When I see these photos it reminds of all the joy this place brought to our family. It warms my heart to know that so many families then and now are getting so much from our library.
As for now, social distancing has made coming to the library an entirely different experience. Unfortunately, we cannot come in with our children for long periods of time to browse, learn, and play. Attempting to look at the bright side I am just overjoyed that patrons can still come to select materials, use computers which includes printing, copying, faxing, and scanning. There is still need for all of these resources and we are happy to provide them.
Of course, we will eventually get back to programs, studying, gathering, learning, and just hanging out in this wonderful building. Not being here for so long was a good reminder of all the library offers to this community.
As I mentioned before, the experiences I had as a patron made an impact on me and my children. What I know to be true is this library cares about patrons. It was evident when I was a patron and also now that I am a staff member. We always want to know; how can we make your time here better?
We are so happy to be back!
The O'Fallon Public Library News 