On the surface, it may appear the COVID-19 pandemic  killed the local library. More than 25 library buildings have closed across Delaware County.

But beyond those empty buildings are 1,000 new Delaware County Library System members and an explosion of on-line library services, writes Pete Bannan for the Daily Times.

“If anything positive can be said about libraries being closed during a pandemic, it’s that people introduced themselves to the libraries again,” said Delaware County Library Director Catherine Bittle.

Requests for digital and audio books have increased exponentially.

Libraries have been working hard to build an online infrastructure to create virtual experiences; from story times, cooking classes and book clubs to virtual board games, trivia nights and email Pen Pals.

Some libraries have started lending actual books in a contact-less format.

The pandemic has taught people they can access some materials digitally.  The goal now is to re-open safely so people can come in if they need to, while still accessing materially digitally.

“The future looks like both of those things will go hand-in-hand,” Bittle said.

And she’s hoping the new card members will stick around once the crisis has passed.

Read more about how libraries are adapting here.

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