Samuels Public Library announces expanded virtual resources available during COVID-19 quarantine

Due to Virginia’s statewide stay-at-home order through June 10, Samuels Library will remain closed until further notice to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Understanding that this closure creates hardships for those who rely on our services, Samuels Library continues to take steps to keep library resources available to patrons. Updates will be posted at www.samuelslibrary.net as the situation develops. Here are few things to note:

• All programs, events and meeting room reservations are suspended through at least June 10.
• Due dates for physical items have been extended until July 1.
• Holds will not expire. We will keep your holds on the shelf until the library reopens.

“While our building may be closed, the library staff is committed to serving our community in any way possible,” said Eileen Grady, Interim Library Director. “We have expanded many of our virtual library services and even added some exciting new services to support our library patrons and keep them connected during this difficult time for everyone. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the library when it is possible, and thank you for your continued support. We wish all our patrons to stay safe and healthy until then.”

Ways to stay connected to Samuels Library during COVID-19:

• Connect with a librarian by calling 540-635-3153 to ask questions, get help using online resources, speak with the Circulation department and more. This service is available Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

• Free WiFi may still be accessed from the parking lot or outdoors at one of the picnic tables. Patrons are strongly encouraged to practice safe social distancing while using this service.

• Tune in for Virtual Storytimes with your librarians. The whole family can join us on Facebook on Thursdays at www.facebook.com/samuelspubliclibrary/

The Library is also excited to announce new and expanded e-Resources available through our website, such as:

• Hoopla! is an amazing digital media database that allows library patrons to borrow movies, TV shows, music, eBooks, audiobooks, and comics, all from the comfort of home for free. samuelslibrary.net/hoopla-ancestry

• Ancestry Library Edition.  For a limited time, this resource is accessible from home when patrons login to their library accounts. Ancestry.com is the most comprehensive database of genealogical information available online, containing billions of records across thousands of local, state, federal and international record collections. samuelslibrary.net/hoopla-ancestry

• The ability to access thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks on Overdrive with the Libby app, download free music with Freegal, and much more. samuelslibrary.net/helpful-resources
• Universal Class is a free resource where there is something for everyone. You can take online classes and follow tutorials varying from many subjects such as candle and soap making to office skills to help with improving your resume!

“We are continually looking for ways to serve our patrons during this difficult time,” said Youth Services Supervisor Michal Ashby.  “One way that we are doing that is to plan for the future.  We intend to begin our Early Bird Summer Reading Club on May 1, to promote reading among the children of our area, and to encourage them, even if it is done remotely.”  Kitti McKean, Adult Services Supervisor will also begin her Adult Summer Reading program on May 1.  McKean explained that the theme this year is “Dig Into Reading’ “and we want all of our patrons to ‘dig into’ all of the online resources we have at Samuels Public Library.”

Further information about Samuels Library is available at www.samuelslibrary.net or by calling (540) 635-3153.