So, how are you all managing? Self-isolating, taking distance appropriate walks, and our special country community with friendly, helpful neighbours does make it easier for most of us in Foothills. But for some of us, especially our older residents living on their own, this can be difficult. I know that many of you are reaching out to neighbours and our little library, although closed, is here to help as well.
You cannot order and pick up ‘real’ books but you can still get e-books and audio books plus a whole range of other materials. The easiest and best way is to go to our website (millarvillelibrary.ca) Constantly updated by our volunteers, this site is super easy to navigate. Scroll down to NEW eResources and click on that and then scroll through the whole range of options from newspapers, music, on-line courses, reading lists and study guides for school-age kids, to new language courses. Further down the site you will find Libby which is the fun-to-use, one-tap reading app from OverDrive. If anyone is having difficulties connecting, our librarian Natasha Grusendorf is still going into the library on a regular basis and is checking the phone so if you need help or have a question, you can leave a message at 403.931.3919 and she will put you in touch with a library volunteer.
Ms. Google is rapidly becoming part of everyone’s household as every organization is making information and entertainment available online. Try googling virtual museums, virtual travel, and online art classes for starters and you will find all sorts of interesting sites for adults and children.
If you have library books at home you can either bring them back and put them through the slot or just hang on to them – no late fees! Look for MCL discards in the little free library “box” located at the east end of the Millarville Community School. And when the weather dries up and spring actually deigns to arrive, watch for our pop-up book discard racks outside the library. Days and hours will be posted on our website and our facebook page. You can disinfect books by leaving them outside for five days then wiping lightly with a cloth saturated (and wrung out) with a bleach solution: I tablespoon to 1 litre of water.
We know that a lot of you are taking advantage of this home time to clear out those basement cupboards, but please do not drop off any donated books until the library has resumed services.
In the meantime, stay safe, healthy and positive!
