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By Alison Sandstrom

More than just ebooks

P.A. library enlarges online collection in response to pandemic

May 15, 2020 | 8:00 PM

Faced with an indefinite COVID-19 related closure, the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library has expanded its collection of e-books, audiobooks, and digital resources.

Director of Library Services Alex Juorio told paNOW the library has always had a vast online collection, but recently they’re investing even more into the computerized side of their operation.

“It’s pandemic related,” he said, explaining the library’s decision. “The physical collection is going to be out of commission for several months so we thought the money would have more traction if we used it to purchase material that people can get remotely.”

One of the recent additions is a collection of thousands of instructional arts and crafts videos called Creativebug. That online database joins nearly fifty others on the library’s website that span TV shows, language-learning courses, massive music catalogues and homeschooling resources.

“People think that a library is like a big dusty building full of books and people that shush you a lot, but we’re really not that way at all,” said Juorio. “We’ve got smoking fast Wi-Fi Internet, you can still get it outside the building actually, if you need Wi-Fi you should drop by.”

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When the walls are closing in, this is a good way to escape to a different place – Alex Juorio, Director of Library Services

Juorio noted the wireless internet connection is accessible at the main location on 12^th Street E. and the smaller library at the Bernice Sayese Centre in West Flat. Of course, physical distancing should still be observed if you want to connect to the Internet from the sidewalk.

While their doors are closed, it appears more and more people are leaning on the library’s digital collection while confined to their homes during the pandemic. Juorio said staff receive emails and Facebook messages every day from people who want to sign-up for a library card online.

“When the walls are closing in, this is a good way to escape to a different place, reading has always been about that,” Juorio said. “If there’s not much going on where you are, this is a good alternative and it’s there for the whole community.”

Libraries are in Phase Four of the Re-open Saskatchewan Plan.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom