COVID-19 has affected many, if not all, county services, and the services offered at Gwinnett County Public Library branches are no different. Precautions surrounding the pandemic have prompted the library system to step up its game with services and programs to keep patrons safe and still reading.
Library patrons have responded well to curbside services, said Nessa Griffin, manager of the Buford branch. Through this service, which began in January, patrons can put specific titles on hold to pick up at the library’s entrance while maintaining social distancing.
“We do like having the opportunity to still connect (our patrons) with our resources, and curbside gives us the opportunity to do that,” Griffin said. “I know people are turning to books to help them through those quarantining times.”
Children’s books are especially popular during the pandemic, and to better serve its patrons, the library has created book bundles that include several children’s books on a wide variety of topics, from fairy tales to dump trucks.
Adult titles — both new and old — are also trending.
“Cooking is always a hit, anything new, people are looking for, but we’ve had some customers to circle back and read some of the older titles as well,” Griffin said.
In addition to curbside services, the library recently launched a new offering — book concierge services. Through this service, patrons can complete an online form detailing their interests and library staff will compile a list of recommended titles.
“Filling out that book concierge form gives us time for us to really dig and find the right match,” Griffin said. “The more information they can give us, the quicker we can find the right match.”
In addition to curbside and concierge services, Gwinnett County Public Library is reopening its branches — patrons will be able to access computers and browse the library’s collection from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Learning labs, open access service, meeting/conference rooms and quiet rooms will remain closed.
Masks are required and temperature checks will be made.
For more information on the Gwinnett County Public Library and the branches that serve the north Gwinnett area, visit www.gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154.
