Shrinking the ‘digital divide,’ area libraries slowly reopen
EVERETT – Hundreds of people reunited this week with a dear old friend: their local library.
Almost a year after the COVID-19 pandemic closed buildings and stopped personal services, a steady stream of library users returned.
Several libraries in Snohomish and Iceland counties have reopened on a limited basis.
The Everett Public Library opened the doors to both branches on Tuesday. Since then, the downtown branch at 2702 Hoyt Ave has served over 100 customers every day. visited to search books and use other services such as computers and WiFi access.
“The city of Everett and the nation still have a huge digital divide,” said library director Abigail Cooley. “We all take it for granted that laptops and cell phones – devices that are connected to the Internet – are available. There are many who don’t have that. “
The libraries also offer a variety of other services, such as: B. the processing of résumés, tax assistance and assistance with job search.
COVID restrictions apply at the Everett Public Library. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
The libraries are currently 25% full, according to state reopening guidelines. Patrons may enter the building based on availability. There is no time limit to browse, but customers are encouraged to keep their visits short. Computer use is limited to two hours per visit to the downtown branch.
The downtown Everett store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The café remains closed. The Evergreen Branch at 9512 Evergreen Way is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The limited working hours reflect the downsizing due to budget deficits in the past year.
Those looking for books have the option of skipping the check-out desk and using a self-check-out kiosk or a phone app called cloudLibrary instead.
A customer is using a computer in the Everett Public Library on Thursday. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Everett resident Marianne Le had her arms full of books as she approached the self-check-out kiosk during her weekly visit to the downtown store on Friday. As an avid reader, Le is thrilled that the library is open and said it was no secret to her friends and family that she really missed it when it closed.
“I prefer to find my books by browsing,” she said. “This is just a really nice place to hang out too.”
She likes to spend time in the library because, unlike shops or restaurants, you can occupy the room without spending any money.
Some libraries in the Sno-Isle district have started reopening and there are plans to open more in the coming weeks, said Kurt Batdorf, a library spokesman. Library officials keep the process gradual in the interests of public safety.
“Since the libraries were closed to the public for so long, we didn’t want everyone to descend at once,” said Batdorf.
Furniture is stowed in the Everett Public Library for the time being due to COVID-19 restrictions. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Rebecca Loney, director of public services at Sno-Isle, said the regional library system is gradually adding building technology. “We will continue to offer our customers a choice of contactless and online services and programs,” said Loney.
The libraries in Freeland, Darrington and Camano Island opened their doors last week. This week, the Brier, Coupeville, Lynnwood and Snohomish libraries are offering a grab ‘n’ go service, and the Marysville Library has a computer access meeting room. Customers can browse library materials under Grab ‘n’ Go. However, the number of customers is limited. You must wear face covering (including children over 2 years old) and limit time inside the building to 30 minutes.
All 23 Sno Isle Community Libraries offer contactless services including pickup, printing, laptops and Wi-Fi checkouts, and much more. Online services and resources are available 24/7 on the recently redesigned website www.sno-isle.org.
Back in Everett, Cooley said that customers have been particularly interested in gardening and cookbooks since the pandemic began.
The reopening even moved some avid bookworms to tears of relief, said library security officer Lee Brooks. “We had some ladies the other day and they were more excited than the kids.”
Ellen Dennis: 425-339-3486; [email protected]; Twitter: @reporterellen
gallery
Darlene Tanis sorts books at the Everett Public Library in downtown on Thursday. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
COVID restrictions apply at the Everett Public Library. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
A customer is using a computer in the Everett Public Library on Thursday. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Furniture is stowed in the Everett Public Library for the time being due to COVID-19 restrictions. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)