Long Beach Library widens digital presence amid virus

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The Long Beach Library has widened its online presence as the pandemic has forced residents to stay home.
The Long Beach Library has widened its online presence as the pandemic has forced residents to stay home.
Christina Daly/Herald

Amid all of the shutdowns caused by the coronavirus, the Long Beach Library has made its digital presence stronger in an attempt to bring the community together.

Under the leadership of library Director Tara Lannen-Stanton, who has been in the position since August, the library has expanded its digital platform to feature events like a Morning Coffee Hour, with Lannen-Stanton hosting and answering residents' questions.

The library began canceling events and limiting services days before Gov. Andrew Cuomo mandated such closures. Lannen-Stanton and the library board decided to close the facility on March 13, a decision she described as "heart-wrenching," but she said she knew it was the best decision to make for the safety of the library's patrons.

"Staff really wanted to figure out ways we could continue serving the public," Lannen-Stanton said. "As it became more and more clear that this was going to be longer than a week or two, we really pulled together a team of people who can provide virtual library services."

The library is also trying out other events, such as meditation classes, chair yoga, trivia programs, and book and movie discussions. One event that Lannen-Stanton noted was a video chat with parents, to be held in the evenings, when parents can speak with one another and unwind during the pandemic. The adult chat will be held at 9 p.m. on Tuesday nights.

"We're trying to provide different ways for people to relax and de-stress as much as possible," Lannen-Stanton said.

All of the online programs are being held on the video conferencing platform Zoom, which has grown in popularity during the coronavirus outbreak.

The library staff is also conducting a survey in which residents can request different types of online programs. Lannen-Stanton said that they have fielded more than 200 requests for such things as exercise programs, storytime, education, music and arts and craft. She added that the staff was looking for more feedback from residents. Additionally, staffers are hoping to host more music events, and Lannen-Stanton encourages local artists to contact the library about performing online.

The library's first music program, "Broadway Tunes with Eileen," was scheduled for Thursday at 2:30 p.m.

With more people staying home, Lannen-Stanton said, there has been a jump in audiobook and ebook usage, which is making it difficult to keep up with the demand. However, she said the library was working to bring those services to patrons.

Under Governor Cuomo's executive order, the library's budget and board elections will be postponed until at least June 1.

Lannen-Stanton said she encourages residents to keep their borrowed books until the pandemic is over, and added that there would be no late fees.

The library staff can be reached at the facility's Google Voice number, (516) 350-5394, or by email at info@longbeachlibrary.org. The library's new hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m on weekdays and noon to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.