Libraries Offer Vital Services

The staff of the James Blackstone Memorial Library are doing everything we can to help our community in these strange and stressful times.

Libraries have always been in the business of information, and we pride ourselves on being a resource for reliable information in uncertain times. Our website now has a dedicated page for links to trusted sources of information like the CDC and World Health Organization to help you stay informed on all the latest updates.

If all the news and updates are getting to be too much and you need a break, we’ve got you covered there too. If you already have a Blackstone Library card, you have access to thousands of books, movies, audiobooks, magazines, and TV shows though our online services like Overdrive, Hoopla, Kanopy, and RB Digital Magazines—all available right from your couch! We’ve temporarily increased Hoopla and Kanopy check outs from 5 to 10 per month so you can keep on reading, listening, and watching for twice as long. Don’t have a library card? If you’re a Branford resident you can apply for one online and we’ll mail you a brand-new library card that’s good to go as soon as it arrives.

Maybe you need help with all this new technology, or you finally have time to set up that device your family got you months ago. If you’re struggling, just reach out and we’ll do our best to help! Our Reference Librarians are on call and ready to help you as best we can via phone, email, or Zoom (if you’re feeling fancy).

While books and movies are nice, they can only do so much if you’re struggling with the realities of social distancing. It’s not easy to be separated from the people and things we care about, and the Blackstone is doing our best to help you cope however we can. If you’re trying to think of ways to stay busy, you can participate in our #SocialDistanceChallenge through our social media pages. Those who sign up will get an email with new challenges twice a week that will help you stay active and engage with your community.

We’re also using our Facebook and Instagram to share all sorts of amazing free resources we’ve discovered. From free streaming ballets and operas, to virtual tours of national parks, homeschooling resources to free college classes, even book and movie recommendations from our staff members. There’s something for everyone so keep an eye on our pages, or view the full list on our website. If you find yourself craving more face to face social interaction, check our website for information about our upcoming virtual programs. We’re working with our regular groups and scheduled presenters to offer as many of our programs as we can through Zoom. For now, Story Time is coming to you!

So much of being a librarian revolves around helping our community members live and in person. We worry about our patrons and how they are faring during these difficult times, and everyone on staff is looking forward to seeing you all again as soon as possible. Rest assured we at the Blackstone Library are taking this time not only to help our community though this crisis, but also to get creative and plan all sorts of new and exciting things for when we return!