How Handley Regional Library System is

How Handley Regional Library System is using Technology to Serve the Community During the Pandemic

Written by: Matt Swain, Public Relations and Outreach Manager at Handley Regional Library System The story of how Handley Regional Library Self-Checkouts Help Patrons & Staff Safely System has had to both adapt and reinvent Distance how we serve the community – a service area of over 130,000 in Clarke, Frederick, and Our self-checkout kiosks have played an Winchester City – is undoubtedly one for the enormous role in allowing patrons contactless books. self-checkout of materials. Here, you scan your library card, place your stack of materi Over the past 12 months, we’ve transi- als on the sensor pad, and you’re done! The tioned through multiple service models - on- whole process takes less than 15 seconds, line access only, contactless curbside pick-up, and you adhere to social distancing guidelines to having all three library buildings open to the during the entire borrowing process. public with limited hours, services, and occupancy following safety guidelines– to continue Part of our self-checkout system is our Radio our 100-year-old commitment to the commu- Frequency Identification (RFID) material hannity. dling system. Installed at Bowman Library due to the high checkout rates, this conveyor belt The entire process has been a balanc- system scans, returns, and sorts materials ing act when working with logistics of three back into the library system, resulting in less public buildings of varying sizes and ages handling of materials. ^ that typically experience over 30,000 monthly A self-checkout kiosk at allows readers to enin-person visits housing over 300,000 physical joy their favorite books while remaining mindful materials. of social distancing guidelines.

With so many jobs and careers impacted by the pandemic, we want the community to know we are ready to help meet the need of getting them back to work, learn a new skill, create resumes, gain occupational certification – and a lot more. Use Learning Express, Peterson’s Career Prep, Reference Solutions, and Universal Class in our 24/7 Digital Library for your next great opportunity. We’ve invested in these resources to help you.

Bridging the Digital Divide

With families working from home and students learning online, access to the internet continues to be a challenge in some areas. We increased our T-Mobile WiFi devices patrons can borrow for unlimited internet.

We also increased our WiFi strength so the community can use free public internet in the parking lots and areas around each building.

To further the learning process for young children and students, we offer Launchpads. These are tablets pre-loaded with ad-free apps that are both fun and educational – internet not required. We now have Wonderbooks, the books with a built-in audio player, to improve reading comprehension and development of literacy and other core skills. We continue to see an increase in these digital products to help further the learning process.

^ Handley Regional Library Systems offer Launchpads, which are pre-loaded with ad-free apps for younger readers as well as Wonderbooks. An internet connection is not required for Launchpads We offer over 1,200 in-person programs a year for all ages. While the pandemic has impacted the number of programs we have now, thanks to Zoom and a lot of library magic, we now offer engaging reading programs, story times, author talks, STEAM-based topics, cooking shows for teens, and a lot more through Zoom and on social media. Families use these to supplement their current education program and entertainment.

Our 24/7 Digital Library is Now More Important Than Ever

Whether you are learning at home, teaching remotely, needing access to research, or looking for your next streaming movie, our Digital Library continues to meet the community’s need with access from anywhere you have an internet connection. We worked with our vendors to enhance content, purchased additional resources and databases, and partnered with different community groups to get the word out about what is available. Best of all, the content is FREE with your library card! Click on Digital Library at www.handleyregional.org for instant access.

For more information on how Handley Regional Library System can help you, visit www.handleyregional.org or contact your local branch. We understand the responsibility we have as library professionals to provide fair and equal access to information and entertainment through critical public library services – in all environments – and technology and creative thinking played a significant role in how we continue to meet that challenge.

Matt Swain

Public Relations and Outreach Manager at Handley Regional Library System