Oregon libraries find creative ways to help their communities during COVID-19

By Jazmine Weaver

(MAY 8, 2020) Libraries had to make big changes with COVID-19. They had to close, but people still needed some of their services. In Waldport, Oregon, one library is using an old bank to give people books to check out. People call, use their website, or email in requests. Librarians clean the books, and then people can come by 9-11am or 2-4pm to pick them up.

Multnomah County Library is the largest public library in Oregon. 102 of the people that work at Multnomah County Library have helped in other ways with COVID. They are helping emergency shelters and helping translate information for people who do not speak English. They are also helping to make face shields and face masks.

Coos Bay Public Library is mailing out their books. They used to have curbside pick up like other libraries, but they changed. The director did not want people to make trips just to turn in library books. If they do turn in a book in person, then the book is quarantined for 14 days.

The Cedar Mill & Bethany Community Libraries used to have story time in the mornings. Now they record story time and put it on their Facebook page. Kids can still listen to their favorite stories. Librarians had to learn how to record and edit videos. It was hard for some of them, but they made the videos.