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.
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!
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 likeThe 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!
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.
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!
