County libraries offer services during COVID

Library officials say that despite COVID related restrictions they are offering most of their services in some capacity and are developing ways to adapt as information comes forward.

Madison County Library Director Tonja Johnson said that they are offering most of their regular services in some capacity. This includes curbside pickup at all five of their locations and computer usage by appointment at the Canton, Flora and Ridgeland libraries. 

“We are going really well with our computer availability,” Johnson said. “We have had a lot of parents come in registering for school online and a variety of other uses. We have had steady appointments since we announced the service in late June.”

Copy, fax and printer services are also available as well as free wifi in the parking lot of each branch location.

“Our curbside services have gone very well. We have seen lots of participation. Between that and our computer access we are offering most of the core services we offer regularly,” Johnson said. “We have been able to adjust and adapt.”

In addition, the MCLS has concluded their summer reading program, which Johnson said was a success. They have also found ways for their writing and book clubs to stay connected. Johnson’s staff will also be hosting Zoom seminars that aimed at teaching parents about homeschooling and resources for small business owners in the near future.

“We just concluded another successful summer reading program and look forward to school starting so we can develop ways to help students and parents out,” Johnson said. 

She added that they post updates on their website as new announcements are made and they adapt to new information. Johnson said a significant change they have recently been able to reduce the quarantine time for returned materials from two weeks to one after they have been logged and sanitized.