Mayo "We Want People To Start Coming Back To The Library."

MARIETTA, OH — The Washington County Public Library is trying to get back to where they were pre-pandemic. They are at limited capacity right now. Justin Mayo, Director of the Washington County Public Library said that it's going to stay that way until health restrictions ease up.

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Mayo wants people to start finding their way back to the library. He says it’s been dead for the past year. “Our circulation dropped in half because we were closed for those three months.” However, he says their online circulation nearly doubled. Right now the library is at 25% capacity. "It's killed us. I can't even open up our branch out on the Pike because 25% of the capacity there is like 2 people."

However, slowly but surely, people are starting to come back. “Things are picking up a little bit. Things are changing.” They’re getting summer programs up and running too. “Every location has something planned.” You can find a list of events and programs they have here.

It isn't known how exactly what kind of long-term impact the pandemic will have had on society, but Mayo said it's certainly changed how people consume content. He says before covid, movies used to be one of their biggest items. "I think covid's made people go to more streaming. The movies aren't circulating like they used to." He said they have more movies on their shelf than he can ever remember.

He's worried that the pandemic is changing the way we fundamentally interact. "It's scary. I think people are missing their chance to socialize." He says people used to get out, go to the library, and have real conversations. He says he hopes as more people get the vaccine that folks can start getting back to a healthier way of living.

The library remains a cornerstone of public service in the community. They still provide income tax help, they offer meeting rooms, free wifi, photocopiers, public use computers, printers, scanners, ADA services, and more. Patronize your local library today.

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