D E PA R T M E N T S C O M M U N I T Y
A LIBRARY LIBRARY C COMES OMES OF A AGE GE CARY REGIONAL LIBRARY TAKES A HIGH-TECH TURN BY THOMAS GUETTLER ⅼ PHOTOS BY JOSH MANNING
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ew things represent community as much as the local library. For Cary Regional Library, generations of patrons have checked out reading material, participated in programming services or simply enjoyed a quiet place to read a book. This institution has served as an outstanding example of community. Small and outdated, the library outgrew its original location. So, in fall 2019, a new facility opened to the public just a short jaunt across the street. The difference was, the new location delivered a vast improvement. “The Cary [Regional] Library was long overdue for a larger facility and the ability to offer more of everything to the citizens of Cary,” says Cary Regional Library Manager Liz Bartlett. With more than 23,000 square feet of public space—which is more than double the original facility—the new facility offers more flexibility and space for growth. Complete with a dedicated children’s programming room that features greater technology, an adult learning space and, simply, more of everything, Cary Regional Library has positioned itself for a new era of community service. “The public most certainly was appreciating the new offerings, as our growing door count and program statistics attested,” Bartlett says. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wake County shut down all libraries and reassessed operations. The new Cary Regional Library had only been open for a few months when it closed to the public.
AN INTROSPECTIVE PERSPECTIVE
During this crisis, the Wake County Public Libraries system looked inward. Could it operate safely? What kind of services could it contribute for the greater good? How could it emerge better than before? Senior library administrators tackled these questions. Many library staff members moved into the Wake County Emergency Operations
Center to assist with call center operations, helping residents with concerns, answering questions and assisting wherever needed. Cary Regional Library’s information technology staff worked to convert multiple libraries, including the new Cary facility, so they could house contact tracing teams to further serve the community. Many also assisted with county vaccination clinics and adopted new ways of working remotely, collaborating virtually, and working on database and inventory organizing. These collaborations resulted in the Books on the Go program at Cary Regional Library. Patrons could make remote requests and schedule appointments to pick up their books in a safe, contactless way. More than 8,000 appointments were made each month, according to Bartlett.
A NEW HOME New technology initiatives were also implemented during the height of COVID closures, which modernized librar y operations. Prior to the pandemic, Car y Regional Librar y moved into its new facility, which of fered greater space and a larger book selection, but still operated on dated technology. The pandemic closures represented an ideal time to update technology, while minimizing impact on operations.
A MODERN REDO During the pandemic, Cary Regional Library’s staff initiated a project to upgrade its system for computer use and printing services. The library no longer needs
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