One of the bright spots in the strange and stressful moment that we find ourselves in, for me at least, is watching Colorado libraries respond. I’ve been consistently inspired by the creativity and speed with which libraries have reinvented themselves almost literally overnight to become virtual community centers for their patrons, while also expanding access to those services through the provision of hardware and facilitation of connectivity. And that’s just scratching the surface. We would love to hear more about what you are doing, how you implemented it, and any lessons that you’ve learned or best practices you’ve established thus far. We’ll share that information on Colorado Virtual Library so that all Colorado libraries can benefit. If you have information that you would like to share with the Colorado library community, please reach out to me, Marisa Wood, at mwood@coloradovirtuallibrary.org, or by phone at 303.351.2338.
If you are looking for some additional inspiration, check out this piece from The Atlantic: Public Libraries’ Novel Response to a Novel Virus
Now into the bag…
Helping Hands
This week Pine River Library launched Pine River COVID-19: Need a Hand? Lend a Hand!, a Facebook group that offers a place for the Pine River community to share resources, offer help, and ask for assistance when it is needed.
Lots of Colorado libraries and and research institutions are using resources and equipment to fabricate personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers around the state:
Denver Public Library has four staff members at home with four of their 3D printers making headbands for face shields for hospital workers! This is a project coordinated by Make4Covid.co, which is working with CU Health and Children’s Hospital, among others.
Volunteer engineers and students at CU Boulder are also partnering with Make4Covid, operating dozens of 3d printers across campus to make the plastic bands that hold together face shields, which are being laser cut by another team.
Students, alumni, and staff in the IDEA Lab at Red Rocks Community College answered the call from a physician at CU Anshutz and Make4Covid to assist with the creation of a ventilator component that can be used to share one ventilator between two or more patients.
Faculty at the University of Northern Colorado have joined the NoCo Face Shield Project, a group that is printing protective face shields for local hospitals.
Museums & Libraries in the News
Olympic Museum opening in late May likely to be delayed in Colorado Springs | The Gazette
A grand opening in late May for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Learning for All
Mitigating COVID-19 When Managing Paper-Based, Circulating, and Other Types of Collections | Recording
Centers for Disease Control staff present an overview of the CDC’s guidance for community settings and environmental disinfection, and a discussion of how libraries, archives, and museums can help mitigate COVID-19 when working with paper-based, circulating, and other types of collections.
ONLINE CLASSROOM SUCCESS WEBINAR | April 9 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learn what experienced online students do to keep on track and get the work done, while balancing physical and emotional well-being.
Hello Dolly!
Dolly Parton will kick off a 10-book video series called Goodnight with Dolly on Thursday, April 2, with The Little Engine That Could, and will continue weekly with other titles from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. You can watch Goodnight With Dolly on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We recommend putting on your pajamas, brushing your teeth and getting in bed for maximum pleasure.
What’s New at the Colorado State Library
Colorado Virtual Library
Help CHNC while Social Distancing and Win a Prize!
Learn a new skill, immerse yourself in Colorado history, and win prizes by becoming a Journeyman Editor and correcting text in the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection.
Pedestrianism – A 19th Century Quirk for 21st Century Life?
In honor of #NationalWalkingDay, allow us to introduce you to Pedestrianism, the 19th century precursor to what is called racewalking today; competitive walking over long distances.
Upcoming Youth Services Meet-ups!
All youth services staff, library students, and other interested parties are invited to join in these upcoming meetings to discuss timely topics during COVID-19 and library closures.
Google for Education Resources
The Google for Education Team has developed a plethora of resources to support learning communities during the COVID-19 crisis.
State Publications Blog
COVID-19 Resources
Pandemic Preparedness for Colorado Libraries – Updated 3/31
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we’re continuing to monitor and update information to help you and your library respond.
COVID-19 Youth Services Resources – UPDATED 3/24
We’ve rounded up some youth services resources to help as your library considers making adjustments to protect, serve and support your community at this challenging time
Tips for Avoiding Scams Related to COVID-19
Unfortunately, wide-scale crises tend to bring out those who would try to exploit the situation for their own gain. We’ve rounded up tips to help you and your loved ones avoid becoming a victim of coronavirus-related fraud.
Learning Opportunities
GRTQuick Bites: Full-Spectrum Literacy with Kate Brunner
- April 7 @ 12:00-12:20pm
- Free! No registration required
- Join online
Library Related Employment:
Are you thinking of making a change this year in your job? Check out Library Jobline for hot new library employment opportunities.
- Learning & Development Specialist: Douglas County Libraries / Castle Rock, CO
This post is part of the Spotlight on Sharing initiative, which aims to increase the visibility of resource sharing in Colorado libraries. Do you have a story from your library to share? Email Marisa Wood, mwood@coloradovirtuallibrary.org. Also, be sure to follow Colorado State Library on Twitter and Facebook.
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