Since March, the staff at the Hagaman Memorial Library has been working on a variety of ways to adapt and adhere to COVID-19 guidelines while continuing to serve the public. Library Director Bruce George and his staff have offered virtual programming and curbside pickup, recently expanding hours for pickup, as well as reopening a computer lab and adding outdoor WiFi.

“Library services and the library building remain on a limited use basis because of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the library is continually working to offer increased services,” said George. “It was a lot of work because it was something new and the staff was working virtually best they could. We have had some very successful virtual programming.”

George noted that the children’s programming has been especially successful. He noted that Children’s Librarian Sascha Gardiner has been using Facebook live for children’s story time since the beginning of quarantine.

“We’ve had more than 100 tuning in for the story times so that’s been really well-received,” said George. “The children’s summer reading program was all virtual and went over very well.”

In addition, Cynthia Gwiazda has also organized several virtual events for adults, including concerts and murder mystery performances. A full schedule of virtual programming is available on the library’s website.

The library has extended the range of its Public WiFi Network signal to outside of the library building by installing an outdoor WiFi antennae. Patrons can now access WiFi on library grounds or from the parking lot 24 hours a day.

“Since we installed our outside WiFi, it has exceeded expectations,” said George. “We had 3,000 sessions through the month of September where normally inside the building we’d have 800 a month. We’re not open yet for people to use WiFi inside, but offering that has worked out really well.”

A computer lab has also recently been opened to the public in the lower level DeMayo Room. Those wishing to use a computer for a 75-minute session must make a reservation 24 hours in advance any calling 203-468-3890.

Masks must be worn and social distancing should be observed. The water coolers and restrooms are not available. Walk-ins are discouraged. Children under 12 are not permitted unless accompanied by an adult for homework purposes.

Computer lab hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m.; and Tuesday through Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The lab will be cleaned during the hours it is closed. Printing services are available at a cost.

Library materials are available for curbside pickup with the library recently expanding pickup hours to now include Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Materials can be reserved through the library website or by phone with a library card. Those in need of a library card can obtain one online at www.hagamanlibrary.org. Library cards not only allow patrons to borrow materials, but give them free access to eBooks, emagazines, audiobooks, music, streaming video, online research, and more.

“We’re back to running what are our normal hours in a different way,” said George. “We continue to work step by step to increase services.”

For information, visit www.hagamanlibrary.org or call 203-468-3890.