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ZEBULON - Libraries statewide have been closed to the public since mid-March. No one is more disappointed than the local library staff at being unable to provide materials for patrons at this time. Out of respect for the community and a concern for the health and safety of the staff and patrons, the J. Joel Edwards Public Library locked its front doors on March 14. No library materials have been allowed to enter or leave the building. Because of storage and disinfecting issues, the library also cannot receive donations at this time.
Although the doors of the J. Joel Edwards Public Library remain closed to the public, many amenities are still available.
The book drop is open from 5 PM Friday through 10 AM Monday. These materials must remain quarantined and will be disinfected before being returned to the shelves. Materials do not accrue any fines during the time the library has been closed (this does not apply to late fees accrued before the March 14).
Library cards that expired during this time have automatically been renewed by Georgia Public Library Services (GPLS) through the end of May. GPLS will continue the automated renewals until such time that the libraries can safely open.
Active library cards will provide patrons with a multitude of digital services, including access to ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines through RBdigital and hundreds of databases available through Galileo. eRead Kids provides online reading material for children K-4th grade. To access these free services, visit the Flint River Regional Library website at frrls.net; the icons are located at the bottom of the homepage.
Says library assistant manager Alyssa Williams, “We want to offer these services to everyone during this difficult period where so many are confined to their homes. Even if your card has excessive fines or if you have never had a library card for us to update, we will be glad to offer a temporary digital card to get you through the summer months.”
The summer reading program has been hit especially hard. Although it has been necessary to cancel all performers and story times, the library will still offer the timed reading program whereby kids and teens will be able to participate on individual bases and earn their prizes.
A frequently asked question is “When will the library be open again?” “The answer,” says library manager Rosemary Bunn, “is, as soon as it is safe for us to do so. Our entire staff is eager to serve our community and all are working diligently to devise new methods to accommodate a ‘new normal.’ Meanwhile, we are adhering to the recommendations provided by the Regents Public Library Advisory Council (RPLAC) for protecting our community. Their phased approach for ‘soft’ opening procedures is dependent on a continued reduction of local active COVID cases over a period of time. We are watching those numbers daily and hoping to see them drop sufficiently to open our doors again.”
For help with setting up digital services, renewing a card, or just to hear a friendly voice, call the library at 770-567-2014, M-F, 10-5. For library updates, follow J. Joel Edwards Public Library on Facebook.