Submitted by Tom Piezzo, Director, Brainerd Memorial Library
(May 13, 2020) — The COVID-19 crisis has closed public buildings throughout the world, and the Brainerd Library, of course, was no exception. But while everyone complies with the Stay Home, Stay Safe order, there is still plenty happening for you at the library.
Our website, www.brainerdlibrary.lioninc.org, offers free access tens of thousands of e-books, digital audio books and magazines, plus helpful databases for research, job hunting, legal forms and more. If you need a library card while we’re closed in order to access these great resources, please get it touch with us via the emails on our website, or at the address below.
Watch for other fun content on our website, Instagram and Facebook like our poetry blog, book title challenge, Lunchtime with Laurie, Zoom book clubs and discussion, virtual Teen Advisory Board meetings, craft videos, an online Lego club, and more. And if you’re really in a pinch for WiFi, we keep our network on 24/7 and it reaches into the parking lot. Access is easy as there is no password required.
We were pleased to learn shortly after closing that Brainerd Library was the recipient of a grant from the Community Foundation of Middlesex County under its “Good People, Good Things” program. This, plus the generous grant from them earlier this year for the purchase of a new AWE Early Literacy Station, will prove a great help during this uncertain financial environment. The Library also warmly thanks the many supporters who donated on Library Giving Day.
While we are closed to the public, our renovation continues at an accelerated pace. Improvements include the creation of an additional rest room designed just for kids, total reconstruction of the other two rest rooms, an added entrance directly to the lower level Community Room and downstairs lobby, improved flooring and lighting, a second, 17-space parking lot and plaza providing enhanced access for people with disabilities, and new, efficient LED exterior lighting that is also dark-sky compliant. Check out these sneak-peek photos!
Always feel free to contact us at library@brainerdlibrary.org . We can’t wait to see you all again when safety conditions permit. Meanwhile: stay well, everyone!
Photos provided by Tom Piezzo.
