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Vienna Public Library adapts to weather pandemic

VIENNA — COVID-19 has hit many businesses and events this year.

As a way to bring normalcy to summer 2020, the Vienna Public Library is offering programs and services such as curbside and contactless pick up, browsing the library by appointment and a virtual summer reading program for all ages.

“The coronavirus has impacted our services a lot,” said Brenna Call, director of library services. “We phased out for a couple weeks, but had to eventually shut down our material services.”

Call said the library was still able to offer virtual services such as virtual storytelling, which is still being held on their facebook page, audiobook rentals and ebooks rentals through their app.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, but starting July 1 it will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.

The Virtual Summer Reading Program for all ages can be accessed by the library’s Summer Reading Program App found at http://viennapubliclibrary.beanstack.org.

According to the press release, people will be able to use the app to log hours of reading and complete family literacy challenges to earn chances into prize drawings at the end of the summer.

Call said there are kids, teen and adult prizes that are bundled and themed.

“There are themes such as outdoor and stem activities. These bundles include things like Lego packs, science experiments, bubbles and jump ropes,” said Call. “The teen prizes include options such as a family game night prize pack, a ‘Stranger Things’ themed pack and a baking pack.”

To earn a chance at any of the prizes, readers log their hours and complete activities to earn badges that give you tickets which can be allocated to a prize bundle of the reader’s choice.

“Prize bundles appeal to large groups of kids, and we really wanted to give an incentive for kids, especially to further their reading skills, and keep them strong outside of school,” said Call.

A list of virtual programming for the Summer Reading Program can be found at http://www.viennapubliclibrary.org/summer-reading-2020

Starting July 1, those interested will have the option to browse the library by appointments that last 30 minutes each. Patrons will be able to make an appointment to browse the stacks in 15-minute increments, according to Call.

“Face coverings are strongly encouraged and will be provided for patrons who do not have their own,” said a press release from the Vienna Public Library.

Families are asked to limit browsing to no more than three people at a time, and a limit of 15 patrons will be allowed in the building at any given time.

“Patrons will also be able to make appointments for office services such as notary, copies, faxes and computer usage.

Curbside and contactless pick-up services will continue to be offered by appointment. Items can be placed on hold through the library’s online catalog found at http://www.viennapubliclibrary.org or by calling the library. After selecting books, people can then choose a method of pickup and schedule a time to receive those held items. Five items can be held at a time, according to Call.

To schedule appointments call 304-295-7771, email info@viennapubliclibrary.org or message on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/viennapubliclibrary

“Please wait for a confirmation message for your appointment to be official,” said Call.

Madeline Scarborough can be reached at mscarborough@newsandsentinel.com.

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