FEATURE
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF MULBERRY
QC
The Mulberry Public Library used an instant messaging and video platform to host book clubs for students of all ages.
ENGAGEMENT
COVID-19 Changes Youth Involvement
Cities host creative programs to captivate young residents by Eryn Russell Florida League of Cities
24 QUALITY CITIES | SECOND QUARTER 2021
Mulberry residents tune in to into the city’s YouTube channel for weekly activities, challenges and bloopers from previous videos.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FAITH EVERSOLE
A
s cities are well into their second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders have begun to reflect on the changes they have made. Starting in March 2020, cities’ youngest residents were sent home from school, afterschool activities were canceled, and city parks and local recreational areas were closed. So, what have cities done to engage their students during this pandemic? It’s important that students understand the role that cities play in their everyday life. Cities are more than street signs, soccer fields and playgrounds. Cities are the place where students learn and grow. Cities are the place where students’ voices can be heard. Cities are our homes. Florida’s cities have risen to the challenge to provide a safe space for their youngest residents. Cities have – and many still are – hosting programs to keep students engaged. When the COVID-19 pandemic closed in-person library services, the City of Mulberry’s Public Library needed to find new ways to connect with their residents. The library implemented a variety of virtual services, for students and adults, until residents were able to visit the library again. These programs were low-cost and used materials the library already had on hand.
