Lindsay Hanson, Library Manager at Sno-Isle Library, Lake Stevens, was our guest speaker via Zoom on Friday, May 1st. Lindsay provided an overview of what's happening with the Library under the Covid-19 pandemic. All Sno-Isle Libraries are closed until further notice. All staff have been working from home since March 14th. The Library has started several new programs as a result of Covid-19. Staff are making calls to seniors over 60 who have used their services in the past few months to see how they are doing. Library cards used to be limited to in-person applications. That has certainly changed under Covid-19. There is a library card link now available. Lindsay encouraged us to view the library resources tabs for all services.
The Library is rolling out a ton of events and lots of on-line tutorials are being offered including on-line book clubs. Just a few on-line resources available include running guides to writer groups, family support groups and most importantly for our young ones, Reading with Rover series. There are lots of eBooks and Audio books available. A quarter of million dollars has been included in this service. Plus, there is video streaming, TV with Hoopla and Canope'. Consumer Reports is available as a free service as well. And Mango language is available as well as Ancestry.com. Various tabs allow you to get to the resources that you need. There is a grant seekers page available as well. Now, the task ahead is preparing for a return when the Governor lifts the stay at home order. Phase 1 - Curbside service maybe available in the future. Phase 2 - use of the library computers is still under discussion.
In terms of the Lake Stevens Library building, there are still lots of unknowns. Lindsay referred to the property they purchased on Chapel Hill. The failure of two bond issues put the building project back on the drawing board. Discussion with the City of Lake Stevens and the Lake Stevens Sewer District regarding a joint project with a smaller library footprint is the current action. A temporary move to the old Police Headquarters when they move to the new headquarters is still up for discussion. Renovation will be costly especially regarding the building foundation. And, the police headquarters only meets 1/4th the size of building they need in Lake Stevens and parking would be inadequate. Our library is the 2nd smallest library in the Sno-Isle system. Another big issue in Lake Stevens is the lack of adequate meeting space. The Mill will help but more is still needed.