This summer will be a unique one for the Longmont Public Library, but that’s kind of par for the course in 2020, isn’t it? Although the Library is re-opening in phases over the summer, staff is taking many precautions to protect patrons and staff from the coronavirus. Knowing this, we had to completely rethink our typical summer program schedule. Social distancing may have made summer programing more difficult, but your Longmont librarians donned their creative thinking caps and devised a plethora of virtual programs for all ages to provide entertainment, connection, and fight the summer learning loss. So buckle up and get ready for a summer different from any you’ve seen before at the Library.
For the Kids:
• Summer Reading Bingo Challenge: The Library’s summer reading program has moved online.
• Virtual Storytimes on YouTube at 11 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
• Virtual Variety Hours: Parties via Webex for two age groups. Teen Virtual Writers’ Group. Crafternoons on Facebook and Twitter each Thursday.
For the grown-ups:
• Virtual Meetups: Join other language learners in our two conversation practice meetups. “¡Hablemos! Let’s Talk!” intermediate level Spanish language practice group, every Tuesday, 12 to 1 pm. “Say Hello” for those learning English, every Saturday, 10 to 11 am.
• Book Bites: New video series of super short book reviews.
• Keep Calm and Read On: On our Facebook page every Tuesday, 9 to 11 am, comment on the post with 3 books you really enjoyed, and the librarians suggest one.
• Virtual Genealogy Basics. Volunteers from the Longmont Genealogical Society offer assistance to the public on the 4th Saturday each month 10 to 11 am.
• Anime-niacs: Online Adult Anime Club: Join the Grey Havens group online as they host a monthly meetup for adults interested in discussing and sharing anime. The group meets virtually on the third Wednesdays of the month via Zoom. No registration needed.
• ThriftU: Homeschool Edition: Put your crafty pants on and join Professor Josie for online crafting classes. Watch our calendar and adult programs webpage for upcoming events. Craft projects will be based on things you might have at home or could easily obtain, even during a pandemic.
• Virtual Volunteer Fair: Even a pandemic can’t dampen the volunteerism spirit in Longmont or stop one of the Library’s most popular annual events. Watch for more details of this great program later in the summer.
More details and registration for all of these programs are available at http://bit.ly/LibPrograms.
More ideas for summer fun on our 2 webpages. Adults and older teens enjoy Boredom Busters (http://bit.ly/BrdmBstrs), while families can dig into Mom, I’m bored ! (http://bit.ly/BrdKids). Both pages feature giant lists of ideas to stay active, healthy, and engaged.
While the Library is closed, we’re answering our phones, offering curbside delivery of materials, and offering temporary library cards online to access all of our great digital materials. Visit our homepage at www.LongmontColorado.gov/Library