One thing libraries do, and do well, is adapt to community needs.  Since the library closed to the public on Monday, March 16, the librarians at Baxter have been scrambling to bring the library to patrons at home. They have updated our website to include resources that are informative, valuable, and entertaining for people looking to engage with content while practicing social distancing in response to the current situation. A number of book publishers, ebook databases, and digital content providers have generously donated their services for free to public libraries at this time. Baxter has added links to their website, www.baxterlibrary.org, and will hopefully be adding more as additional digital content becomes available. 

The state library system at large is working to purchase a number of ebooks for the cloudLibrary to address the increased use of the download library. Guidelines on how to download the cloudLibrary app is available on our website. For those without internet access, even though the library is not open to the public we are still offering free 24/7 Wi-Fi that can be used outside of our building. 

Parents and kinds—make sure you check out the Youth Services page for awesome new database offerings geared for children 18 months to 18 years old and a new virtual programming schedule. The Youth Services librarians are presenting virtual story times and chapter book readings through Facebook Live as a way to connect with kids. You do not need a Facebook account to view, just go to www.facebook.com/BaxterLibrary to watch live or archived videos. Baxter will continue to work as best they can at reaching out and providing informational and entertainment resources to the community. They miss their patrons and hope everyone is safe and happy.  

Virtual Events:

Baxter Memorial Library’s Mr. Jeff will be on Facebook Live from Tuesday, March 31 through Friday, April 3 at 2 p.m. performing an interactive reading of a Choose Your Own Adventure book. Your comments will guide Mr. Jeff where to turn to next. Tune in each day to see where the adventure takes everyone! You do not need a Facebook account to view, just visit www.facebook.com/BaxterLibrary to view their virtual programs.

Baxter Memorial Library will be streaming a story time on Facebook Live every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. until the library reopens to the public. You do not need a Facebook account to view, just visit www.facebook.com/BaxterLibrary to view virtual programs.

Wildlife specialist Mckenzie Whelan and her friend Pegasus will be providing Baxter Memorial Library with a special video presentation for viewing starting April 1.  Pegasus is a python, which are some of the best social-distancing practitioners you’ll ever meet! The video will be posted on the library’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BaxterLibrary  and our website www.baxterlibrary.org.