August 2022 
 Books & Materials  /  eResources  /  Events  /  Reader Resources  /  Contact Us  /  COVID updates
 
FAQ: How does the distribution process work for the
free Covid-19 rapid tests available at local libraries?
ANSWER: These tests come from our state health department, and unfortunately, we don’t know or have control over when the state will send more. The "Available COVID-19 Rapid Tests" banner on our website is updated as soon as more tests are available. This is the best and most accurate way to know when tests have arrived.
 
We generally get 500 tests at a time in a shipment and distribute them to our branches based on the number of people who use each library location. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Health has asked that test kit distribution be limited to 4 per household per day. In 2021, we handed out 24, 943 free tests to library visitors. 
 
➡ We still encourage visitors who feel ill or are questioning whether they have been exposed to Covid to pick up tests using our call-ahead curbside service. Thank you for helping to keep our staff and visitors healthy!
 
*Additional COVID-19 Testing Sites are listed here.
 
 Pictured above: ACPL staff after unloading a shipment of Covid-19 rapid tests from the Ohio Department of Health that would later be distributed to all library locations countywide. 
Supporting local educators
Do you know an educator in Athens County?
Share our annual resource letter, created especially for them! 
 
 
Journal series encourages all ages to write
Many thanks to Gina McKnight of Monday Creek Publishing
for giving back to our community by creating and donating
writing journals for library patrons!
 
According to publications like Psychology Today and US News and World Report, expressive writing of any kind boosts your mental health, overall well-being, and even your immunity—plus, it can kickstart future authors!
 
The first batch of free journals will be available during Parade of the Hills at our Nelsonville branch, August 17-19. They feature original paintings by Nelsonville library staff and one of ACPL’s favorite creatures! (For those wishing to purchase a journal to support ACPL, you can also find them on Amazon.)

Future journals will highlight images from Athens County local history, as well as more original artwork from library visitors/staff. What will you write first?
 
Free library resource spotlight: Hellosaurus
Incredibly engaging, interactive, and educational, Hellosaurus puts kids ages 2 to 8 in their favorite shows like The Wiggles and Love, Diana. Thanks to the hoopla "BingePass" option, one borrow gets them all the Hellosaurus they want for 7 days!
Note: You'll need to download the Hellosaurus iOS or Android app to your mobile device to play this content. No signup needed. Start by borrowing the BingePass through the hoopla app. (If the app is already on the device it will open automatically. If it is not on the device, you will be taken to the app store where you can download the app for free.)
Staff spotlight: meet Syd
Syd is a Technology Training Librarian who visits all ACPL locations.
 
What kinds of things are you planning/dreaming about starting at ACPL in your current position?
 
I would love to create program events that are interactive and educational! Like Digital Literacy Vocab Bingo or a murder mystery game where instead of finding the killer, patrons sift through clues in their email to find the phishing scam. Learning about technology can be a lot to take in, so I want to be able to make things fun when I can! Additionally, I think it would be great to host some of these events at local nursing homes and community centers in order to reach folks who may not always get the opportunity to see us at our branches. 
 
Generally, though, what excites me is that I genuinely believe that equipping our community members with digital literacy skills can make an impact. From building a resume to keeping up with loved ones on social media, technology is now an integral part of our everyday lives. It's exciting to be able to help our community members navigate these resources and to see the ways it positively impacts their lives!
 
What does a "typical" day look like for you right now?
 
My days are never the same--and I love it! Each day, I visit two different branches--one in the morning and one in the evening. During those times, I take and schedule tech appointments, research solutions to tech problems, create informational resources for our patrons, and brainstorm ideas for tech programming. 
 
If you could tell library visitors about one ACPL resource or service that they might not know about, what would it be?
 
Northstar Digital Literacy! We now have access to an online learning program that walks patrons through skills such as using a mouse, searching on the internet, and using email—as well as advanced skills, like using Google Docs and searching for jobs online.
 
You can find Northstar by visiting our website at myacpl.org and clicking on the "eResources" tab. Better yet, there's a new weekly drop-in series with Technology Training librarian Sarie to learn more about this resource and to develop your skills at your own pace. More information here.
 
So many folks would like to learn more about the digital landscape. So, if you know of a community member who would like to enhance their tech knowledge through online learning, reach out to me or Sarie so that we can begin setting them up with this awesome resource!
 
 
See any ACPL staff member to request a Tech Training 
appointment with Syd. Virtual appointments are also available.

If you haven't signed up for Dolly Parton's
Imagination Library of Ohio, now's the time!
 Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio mails kids one high-quality, age-appropriate book each month until their 5th birthday. All kids in Ohio
are eligible to be enrolled in the program at no cost to their family.
 
Ohio is ONLY 20,000 kids away from hitting a 50% enrollment statewide!
 
*Register online at ohioimaginationlibrary.org/enroll.
 
This service in our area is administered by the Athens County Public Libraries and funded by Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio, with the Athens County Foundation providing matching local funds. 
 
Questions? Contact ACPL Access Services Coordinator, Heather McElfresh.
 
 
Looking back at 2021
Our latest annual report shows how we reinvented what connecting
with your local library could mean here in SE Ohio, even in the midst
of a continued global pandemic. Visit this link to read more.
Your next good read
Teen Reads for Fans of Stranger Things
 
Read a Romance Month
 
Back-to-school Reads for Ages 0-8
 
*To go directly to these titles in our catalog, click on the themed reading list links above,
then select the book covers that interest you.
 
 
Announcing official office hours for all your local history needs! 
Email Lorinda to set up an appointment,
or stop in to see her at our Nelsonville branch.
 


Athens County Public Libraries
95 W. Washington St.
Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
myacpl.org