Ramona Burkey, Director of Russell Library in Middletown, Front Line Friday Brought to you by: Middlesex Health, The Smarter Choice for Care.   She is representative of all the library directors throughout our State who continuously planned and adapted throughout the pandemic to ensure that our patrons and staff were safe and that we continued to serve the public and to offer library services to meet the needs of our patrons throughout the pandemic. When closed to the public,  libraries transitioned almost immediately from in-person programming to virtual programming, such as Zoom story times for kids. When our buildings were closed to the public, we offered curbside pickup of books, movies and music CDs. Patrons could call, email or go to the web page to request materials on line.  The Russell Library web page was dynamic -- we continued updating information on library services, COVID-19 and access to digital resources such as databases, training, and podcasts.  In terms of operations, safety of staff and patrons was a top priority.  Utilizing CDC guidelines, frequent decisions had to be made regarding how long to quarantine Library materials, traffic patterns within the library, capacity for staff and patrons, etc.  When we opened to the public, safety concerns were a priority.  Programming remained virtual.  Patrons could browse and check out materials.
 Guidelines were in place for patrons to browse and borrow materials and to use public computers and printing services by reservation.

Ramona Burkey, Director of Russell Library in Middletown, Front Line Friday Brought to you by: Middlesex Health, The Smarter Choice for Care. &nbsp; She is representative of all the library directors throughout our State who continuously planned and adapted throughout the pandemic to ensure that our patrons and staff were safe and that we continued to serve the public and to offer library services to meet the needs of our patrons throughout the pandemic. When closed to the public, &nbsp;libraries transitioned almost immediately from in-person programming to virtual programming, such as Zoom story times for kids. When our buildings were closed to the public, we offered curbside pickup of books, movies and music CDs. Patrons could call, email or go to the web page to request materials on line. &nbsp;The Russell Library web page was dynamic -- we continued updating information on library services, COVID-19 and access to digital resources such as databases, training, and podcasts. &nbsp;In terms of operations, safety of staff and patrons was a top priority. &nbsp;Utilizing CDC guidelines, frequent decisions had to be made regarding how long to quarantine Library materials, traffic patterns within the library, capacity for staff and patrons, etc. &nbsp;When we opened to the public, safety concerns were a priority. &nbsp;Programming remained virtual. &nbsp;Patrons could browse and check out materials. &nbsp;Guidelines were in place for patrons to browse and borrow materials and to use public computers and printing services by reservation.

Brian Shactman wakes Connecticut up with all the information you need to start your day. News, weather, traffic and sports plus, interviews with the people making the news each day. It’s the perfect way to start your day informed and entertained – Mornings with Brian & Company 5:30am-9am!

Brian Shactman wakes&nbsp;Connecticut up with all the information you need to start your day. News, weather, traffic and sports plus, interviews with the people making the news each day. It&rsquo;s the perfect way to start your day informed and entertained&nbsp;&ndash; Mornings with Brian &amp; Company 5:30am-9am!

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