David Pencek | Communications Manager | Schlow Centre Region Library
How is COVID-19 affecting you and your family? How can you maintain a productive and stable family, work, and student life? Schlow Centre Region Library has resources to enhance learning, entertainment, comfort, and inspiration in this challenging time.
The library has always prided itself on being the Centre Region’s “living room,” a popular community center and gathering place. Although the library building is currently closed through at least April 6, in compliance with state government directives, the digital library is loaded with new content for your convenience and pleasure.
The library’s digital library is open 24/7, and it’s easy to use. Patrons can sign up for temporary library cards that allow instant access to the online materials. If you have a block on your card, you may sign up for a new temporary card for the digital library.
A library card gives you access to Schlow’s rapidly growing eBook and eAudiobook collection. Publishers have relaxed[1] some pricing and licensing restrictions, allowing Schlow to put more materials online. Your library card also gives access to the video-streaming service Kanopy, which has tens of thousands of films and shows; Flipster, which has hundreds of popular and current magazine titles and back issues to read and flip through; and more.
Schlow’s Children’s Services staff has put together a list of books for babies through sixth graders to read at schlowlibraryreadalikes.weebly.com, and the Children’s April Book Club for babies to children age 12 will still be happening! Registration begins Monday, March 30. Visit schlowlibrary.org/AprilBookClub2020 for more information.
Schlow also has expanded its digital services and offerings since the building’s closure, with plans to offer more. These include:
Free WiFi service in Schlow’s parking lot.
Zoom rooms available for patrons to reserve, similar to the meeting rooms in the library.
Online book clubs and Schlow Lab sessions.
Virtual storytimes for kids.
Remote access to the Foundation Directories Online Essentials, which is a great resource for community nonprofits to research grant-makers and write winning proposals. It has the most exhaustive and up-to-date knowledge and insight on the social sector to fuel any fundraising mission.
Updates on our website, www.schlowlibrary.org, and on our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter feeds.
Although the building is closed, Schlow’s librarians are still available to help with book recommendations, tech questions, or other library issues. Email refdesk@schlowlibrary.org or children@schlowlibrary.org, or acctinfo@schlowlibrary.org.
In the weeks and months to come, the library is a free community resource you can trust for information and help. Schlow looks forward to opening its doors again when it can, and it remains committed to your safety and well-being.