Jeremy Dyson and his family’s trips to their local library have been put on hold, but that’s not stopping his son from getting plenty of reading done.
Following recommendations from Vancouver Coastal Health, all three North Shore library systems announced on March 16 that they were closing their doors to the public in order to do their part in curbing the spread of COVID-19.
Before their local North Vancouver City Library closed along with scores of other public facilities across the North Shore, Dyson and his family were accustomed to weekly trips to the library, where his 11-year-old son Jack, a voracious reader, would generally check out upwards of six large books.
“Everything we’ve got from the library – that’s now on extended loan – he’s read,” said Dyson.
In an effort to keep the flow of reading going, especially since the B.C. government announced all schools would be closed indefinitely following spring break due to concerns over novel coronavirus, Dyson whipped out an old laptop and gave it to his son.
On Friday, Jack was busy using the laptop to read the young adult science fiction novel The Maze Runner in ebook form.
“This turned out to be amazing,” said Jeremy. “There was zero adjustment.”
Although North Shore libraries may be physically closed, they’re still open for business. The West Vancouver Memorial Library, North Vancouver City Library and North Vancouver District Public Library, which includes branches in Lynn Valley, Parkgate and Capilano neighbourhoods, are reminding people that their vast digital services are still accessible to members during this challenging time.
That means that with only a library card and a personal computer, residents can access ebooks, audiobooks, electronic magazines and newspapers, movies, learning resources and more all from the comfort and safety of home.
“If you haven’t tried a digital resource, then we encourage you to for sure,” said Meghan Crowe, spokeswoman for the District of North Vancouver’s library system. “Staff are still here, we can still provide great recommendations, and we can help you get started.”
While it’s still in the early stages, each of the North Shore’s libraries are also hoping to get their programming up and running again in the coming days and weeks.
Although it won’t be in-person, West Vancouver library is planning to virtually jumpstart some of its programming again next week, such as its thrice-weekly English-language learners sessions which are set to take place next week using Zoom, an online video communications tool.
“We were worried about the increasing amount of stress that people are under and feelings of isolation,” said West Vancouver library director Stephanie Hall. “We can have a book club through the phone – we can do it through Zoom.”
Hall also highlighted the library’s new digital film service, Kanopy, which allows library members to stream mostly art house films and other features that could be crucial at a time when people are being encouraged to stay at home and practise social distancing.
“We do more downloads than we do physical loans,” noted Hall.
To connect with your local library about their online digital services and get updates regarding future programs, visit West Vancouver Memorial Library’s website at wvml.ca, North Vancouver District Public Library’s website at nvdpl.ca, or North Vancouver City Library’s website at nvcl.ca.
All libraries are keeping regular office hours. The doors won’t be open to the public, but patrons are encouraged to call during those hours for assistance or more information.
