As with most libraries around the country, our library district is closed until our governor gives the ok for non-essential businesses to reopen. Our library district is in Washington State, one of the states hit early with COVID-19 and hit hardest. Conversations about how to handle the crisis began around March 9. By the end of the week, the decision to close our branches was put in place. Initially, we thought staff would be back to work after 3 days (the time it's thought the virus is viable on paper products) but the decision to stay closed until the end of the month followed.
One of our librarians had the great idea of recording some story time snippets to help families who have suddenly found their entire schedule disrupted. Due to copyright concerns, we decided to focus on some of our favorite finger play/songs/flannel stories, instead of reading books on camera for social media. I was asked to provide some easy do-at-home crafts, which are totally my jam.
Initially, we thought we would continue reporting to work during the closure, so had planned to record a lot of videos in the following week. The order to close came before we could get too much organized.
Even at home, it took me 3 days to get myself organized and the right equipment identified before I could start even making videos. I decided to focus on my favorite projects that are easy to replicate at home and to limit myself to common household items (no downloaded software, no copper foil tape, no Internet required, no corrugated cardboard, etc).
I've made my first week's worth of videos and have the feeling I'll be making quality videos by the end of the quarantine. Still working on coordinating posting with our social media team, but for now I'm loading them to the Youtube account linked to my work email.
3/17: Marble Run
3/18: Trash Car
3/19: Musical Instruments (for my favorite story time song: Wiggle, Wiggle, Stop)
3/20: Stop Motion
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