Libraries in the Pandemic

Florida libraries pivoted quickly after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Although many libraries had to close their physical buildings to patrons, libraries offered new and enhanced services to their communities during this difficult time:

• Curbside pickup
• More ebooks, e-audiobooks, and digital magazines
• Virtual storytime for kids
• Virtual programming for patrons of all ages
• Books by mail
• Printed copies of unemployment applications
• Wi-Fi hotspots
• Citizen hotline for pandemic information

The value of these services have proven so popular that, even when the pandemic is over, many libraries still plan to offer some of these services to their patrons.