By MADDY VITALE
The Ocean City Free Public Library historically has been a hub of community activity, offering entertainment, learning tools and, of course, books in all forms from traditional to e-books.
COVID-19 did not stop that. However, it did alter the way the library gives patrons all that they have been accustomed to enjoying.
StoryWalk, which kicked off Oct. 9 and runs through Nov. 30, is a primary example of a new addition to the library activities that allows for social distancing.
The event gives families a way to participate in an outdoor activity at Lake Memorial Park, 407 Wesley Ave., with others who love books.
Characters are hidden in the park, and kids can go on a scavenger hunt to find characters when they are finished reading the story. Every family that completes the scavenger hunt is entered to win a special prize at the end of November.
“I just want to say that the StoryWalk is yet another example of the creative ways our library has risen to the challenge to promote early literacy and engage with the community, yet still stay safe during COVID-19,” Library Board of Trustees President Jennifer Shirk said Monday.
The reception to the new event has been wonderful, said Library Director Karen Mahar.
“It is a fantastic way to enjoy a book in nature and be able to social distance while doing it,” she noted.
The library offers limited hours and staff strictly adheres to COVID-19 safety measures.
As part of the library's safety protocols during the pandemic, people can come into the building, but there are time limits. Many patrons take advantage of curbside pickup, Mahar pointed out.
Shifting the focus from in-house programming and events at least until December to all virtual events took a lot of work, library officials said. But the patrons seem to love what is being offered.
The proof is in the fact that virtual events ranging from author talks and concerts to trivia nights fill up quickly on Zoom.
“Things are going well. People are coming into the library getting their items and leaving,” Mahar said. “We really are not extremely busy. People are taking advantage of our curbside pickup services and they are definitely taking advantage of our virtual programming.”
Over 700 patrons signed up for virtual activities this month alone, Mahar said.
Friday night virtual concerts have proven to be an overwhelming success along with the fall series for OC Reads, in which people hear from authors.
Mahar described both activities this month as “fantastic.”
She added that for OC Reads more than 100 people jumped on the Zoom event to hear from the author.
Trivia Night is a popular virtual event among patrons. (Image courtesy OCFPL)
The library makes sure to offer events and activities for all ages.
“We're doing all our story hours virtually, as well as young adult programs virtually,” Mahar explained.
In addition, an American sign language class, a memoirs class, a book discussion group, and other interesting virtual events are being given, she said.
“Our circulation statistics have held their own and our e-book and digital audiobook circulation has really taken off,” Mahar said.
Mahar emphasized that the library staff is following all safety protocols amid the pandemic.
“We want to keep my staff and our patrons safe and healthy wearing masks when they're in the building and on our staff,” she said.
She added that the library is cleaned vigorously, including high-touch areas such as counters.
Mahar added, “I commend my board and my staff for really doing their best to continue to offer the awesome services of our public library. Even though it is in a different way than are the norm, while keeping our staff and our library patrons safe.”
For more information, visit the Ocean City Free Public Library at www.oceancitylibrary.org.
The library offers patrons a self-checkout service with a touch screen device (at right).
