It’s hard providing events for children when people can’t gather.
Bridget Willson, youth services librarian for the Nantahala Regional Library, said there has definitely been a learning curve to providing services for children. She’s figuring out what works among all the “ideas floating around.”
Through feedback from parents, she’s learned that they prefer kits they can pick up. Toddlers especially were having trouble sitting still for videos, and some families were tired of looking at screens.
With events she has had since March, the most engaging ones were those where families participated by sending in a photo or image. So she’s taken what’s she learned, and started designing new programs and new takes on old programs for 2021.
The first major event has already started – Harry Potter Book Night Virtual Costume Contest. Participants simply take a photo of themselves dressed in costume, then send it brwysl20@gmail.com with their name, age library and who they are dressed up as.
Wilson often holds events for Harry Potter Book Night, which is typically held in February or near the character’s birthday in July.
“I wanted to do something because last year we had to cancel because of bad weather,” she said.
Library staff will judge the entries, and winners will be announced Thursday, Feb. 4. There will be one winner for each age group across the region – 0-5 years, 6-10 years, 11-17 years and ages 18 and older.
The next event involves an idea she’s had for a while – letter writing. She’s asking parents and caregivers to send her their child’s name and address before Feb. 14 to receive a valentine from “Miss Bridget.”
“Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays,” Wilson said. “I just thought valentines are fun.”
Her plan is to continue the idea later in the year, asking the children to write back to her.
Ongoing events and activities include Friday Lego Challenges to temporarily take the place of Lego Clubs held at each of the branches, coloring contests and story time kits. Parents may also stop by a library to pick up picture book bundles.
“I try to think of stuff that makes sense and helps the parents out and the teachers,” Wilson said.
She has also started looking into making a better virtual summer program, just in case gatherings are still limited then.
“We’re doing a lot of wait and see, but I’m doing the best I can,” Wilson said.
She said her job has evolved over the past several months, as she has added the role of graphic designer for the library’s flyers and social media posts. She misses spending time with the kids.
Both the Andrews and Murphy libraries are open to a limited number of people at a time, with no lounging. Patrons may make appointments for guaranteed entry or use the libraries’ curbside service. Masks are required.