Letters to the Editor - The Millerton News - 4-16-20

Roe Jan Library continues to support its patrons, despite pandemic

We were very excited. The annual Party in the Park fundraiser we had planned was going to be something new and different. We were ready to celebrate the 10th birthday of the building that houses this little library, which has become such a huge force in the Roe Jan community.

And then, life changed.  

And so, of course, we have canceled the party — put away our plans until, we hope, next year, when we are again able to be together — to celebrate, to laugh and to at last stand shoulder to shoulder to enjoy each other’s company.

In these days, our community is challenged. And deprived of daily contact with friends and family, we have gained a deeper understanding of our need for community. And in that spirit, I want to tell you how proud I am of what Library Director Tammy Gaskell and her staff have achieved in keeping us all connected.

During these hard times while our beautiful building has been closed, www.RoeJanLibrary.org has been open. We have offered e-books, audiobooks, movies and online courses, as we always do, and added a few more digital resources, and we have conducted virtual programs — from strength and balance exercise classes to technology assistance to a community art project. We’ve read stories to toddlers and shared poetry among adults. And we have reached out to many of our most vulnerable patrons, to check in with them and to let them know that we are here to help. Our presence has comforted, consoled, and, yes, entertained our community. 

I know that many of us have suffered during this time. It is our goal and it is our obligation to continue to bind this community together as we recover from these times.

My very best wishes to you and your family. Next year we will celebrate together.

Patricia A. Placona

President, Roeliff
Jansen Community
Library Board of Trustees

Copake

Pine Plains Free Library stays in touch, virtually

Hello from the Pine Plains Free Library! We hope you have been doing well. We are still closed for the time being, and are unsure as to when we will be able to reopen, but we will let you know when we know. Please check our website, www.pineplainslibrary.org, and/or Facebook for updates.

 We are continuing to maintain and, when possible, increase access to online resources, and are here to help with any questions or concerns regarding your library card and online library resources. Just e-mail me at director@pineplainslibrary.org. 

Thanks for your patience and understanding, and stay safe and healthy! Visit our website to see some of our favorite online resources available to you for free with your library card, and for more information about remote resources and services we offer!

Veronica Stork
Director, Pine
Plains Free Library

Tivoli