Bellmore-Merrick libraries keep readers engaged online

Although closed to the public to curb the spread of Covid-19, local libraries are keeping readers engaged and entertained online during the pandemic.

“The building may be closed, but the library is always open online,” said Bellmore Memorial Library Director Elaine Cummings-Young.

Having access to library resources can be essential for people at all stages of their lives, especially during times of crisis. So earlier this month, 50 Nassau County libraries began offering digital library cards to give residents without one the chance to use the digital resources of their library while facilities are closed (see box). Similarly, Bellmore-Merrick’s librarians have expanded online services to reach readers craving some time “in the library.”

Merrick Library

While you may not be able to walk through the doors right now, the staff at the Merrick Library is working to keep patrons engaged through its remote services.

Through April 30, Merrick Library patrons can compete in a “Community Reading Challenge” with Bellmore Memorial Library patrons. Readers are asked to submit the title and author of a book they have read through a link on the library’s website — each book counts as one point. Extra points are allotted if you post a picture of your book on social media with the hashtag #BellmoreMerrickBookBattle. 

Additionally, teens can earn community service while sitting at home by submitting book reviews on the library’s website. Each review equals a half-hour of community service credit.

Story time has been brought into the virtual world, as well. Meira Broderick, associate head of Youth Services at the Merrick Library, is leading online story time and sing-along sessions for children to follow on Facebook and Instagram.

The library is also using its 3D printers to produce face shields to help relieve the shortage of personal protective equipment in local hospitals. Last Friday, library staff delivered 15 face shields to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow.

For a full list of resources, visit the library’s website, www.merricklibrary.org, or on Facebook and Instagram at @merricklibrary.

Bellmore Memorial Library

Aside from engaging in some healthy competition with Merrick’s readers, the Bellmore Memorial Library is offering virtual programming via Zoom to help patrons stay connected to one another.

The programs include Social Circle, a weekly afternoon program for which adults can craft or knit together; Teen Evening Chat, a young adult program for which teens can swap interests and activities to keep busy during quarantine; and Virtual Music & Movement, for which children can hear rhymes and songs to move and dance to.

Patrons can register for virtual programs on the library’s website, www.bellmorelibrary.org.

North Merrick Public Library

The North Merrick Public Library is offering virtual programs, too, including a community reading challenge and remote fitness classes.

The Kids’ Community Reading Challenge encourages patrons to read together while they’re apart. “For every 100 books we read as a community, we’ll add something special to the Children’s Room to enjoy together,” read a post on the library’s website. For every book children read, they receive a vote to put toward deciding a decoration or special addition for the Children’s Room.

Patrons can download eBooks and access magazines from the library’s virtual newsstand using their library cards. North Merrick is also promoting free online classes that residents can take to pass the time during quarantine.

North Bellmore Public Library

On the North Bellmore Public Library’s website, parents and caregivers can scan through a list of online databases for students in grades kindergarten through 12 to help keep children occupied at home. The library also posted a list of area museums offering virtual tours.

Next week, the library is promoting Strive’s Virtual College Exploration Week. From April 20 to 23, students and families can take part in nearly 100 panel presentations related to the college search. Each 45-minute presentation includes perspectives from at least three different institutions.

Those interested can register through the library’s website, www.northbellmorelibrary.org.