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CHICAGO — From the moment the pandemic took hold in Spring 2020, libraries and library workers have demonstrated their fortitude and flexibility by adapting to physical closures, social distancing guidelines, and a host of other challenges. Despite the obstacles, they’ve been able to stay connected to their communities—and helped connect the people in their communities to each other, as well as to the information and services they need and enjoy. Now, Sarah Ostman and 91��ý’s Public Programs Office (PPO) present “,” published by 91��ý Editions. It features a handpicked cross-section of successful programs, most of them virtual, from a range of different libraries. Designed to support learning, spark conversation, create connection, or simply entertain, the ideas here will inspire programming staff to try similar offerings at their own libraries. Showcasing innovation in action as well as lessons learned, programs include:

• COVID-19 Misinformation Challenge, featuring an email quiz, to encourage participants to separate fact from fiction;
• weekly virtual storytimes;
• community cooking demonstrations via Zoom;
• an online grocery store tour, complete with tips about shopping healthy on a budget;
• a virtual beer tasting that boasted 80 attendees;
• socially distanced "creativity crates" for summer reading;
• an online Minecraft club for kids ages 6 and up;
• a Zoom presentation about grieving and funerals during COVID, featuring the director of a local funeral home;
• Art Talk Tuesday, a one-hour, docent-led program;
• a virtual lecture on the history of witchcraft, presented by a public library in partnership with a university rare book room, that drew thousands of viewers;
• "knitting for knewbies" kits for curbside pickup;
• Songs from the Stacks, an ongoing virtual concert series in the style of NPR’s “Tiny Desk”;
• a pink supermoon viewing party that included people howling at the moon together from their homes on Facebook Live;
• and many others.

Ostman is the communications manager in 91��ý's , where she serves as editor of , a web resource for library professionals. Before joining the 91��ý and the library field in 2014, she spent nearly a decade as a newspaper reporter, editor, and freelance writer. 91��ý's Public Programs Office (PPO) empowers libraries to create vibrant hubs of learning, conversation and connection in communities of all types.

Many book retailers and distributors are experiencing service disruptions or delays, including Amazon. For speediest service, from the 91��ý Store. purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. 91��ý authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact 91��ý Editions | 91��ý Neal-Schuman at editionsmarketing@ala.org.

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