2020 is over. The pandemic is not.
I know, it’s jarring for me too. It was comforting to pretend that when the year ended all the trauma and fear would dissolve into dust, content to be memory.
If only it were that easy, right?
As you prepare to face flu season, another semester of school, and another month of hybrid work schedules, your friends at the Bartholomew County Public Library are doing our best to keep things easy.
You may not be able to enter our building to browse books, but thanks to our two new services you can get a librarian to browse for you.
Our first new service is called Book Bundles. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a bundle of library books handpicked for your enjoyment.
Using a form available on the homepage of our website, you can tell us what genres or authors you enjoy, what kind of book you are interested in currently, as well as specify what format you prefer (i.e. Audiobooks, large print, etc.). Then, a library staff member will choose five to 10 items, place them on hold for you, and notify you that your bundle is ready to pick up via our curbside service.
If your reading list needs a winter refresh, please consider Book Bundles as an easy alternative to browsing in person.
The second service is a little more niche.
Teen Book Boxes are a self-care based program available for all teens, grades 7-12, residing in Bartholomew County.
These boxes are similar to subscription box services like OwlCrate or LootCrate, except our boxes are completely free. When your teen registers for a Book Box, they will tell us what they like to read and what they don’t.
Teen staff (like me!) then fill a box with one or two library books, snacks, crafts, funny memes, coloring pages, journal prompts, buttons, and other goodies. The only thing your teen needs to return are the library books. The rest belongs to them. Each Teen Book Box also contains a handwritten note, from our teen staff to your teen, as a dose of extra kindness and self-care to keep them warm this winter.
The pandemic’s not over. Winter is upon us. If the chill makes it ever harder to feel connected in this time of isolation, consider using these services from your local library. We continue to do our best to keep you healthy, informed, and of course — well read.
Bex McNair is a Teen Engagement Specialist at the Bartholomew County Public Library and can be reached at bmcnair@mybcpl.org
