Rensselaerville Library Notes for Tuesday, December 1, 2020

It’s hard to be the Debbie Downer in the room. Cases of COVID-19 are surging, causing no small amount of anxiety as we enter the holiday season.

Here at the library, we are keeping a close watch on the numbers. Percentages of new cases per day. Number of new cases per 100K. It’s become a morning ritual to check the data even before our first cup of coffee has had a chance to cool. Why have we become so data-obsessed?

We want to keep you safe.

What seems like 1,000 years ago, we put together a Continuation of Service Plan to set up guidelines for managing the library through a pandemic. One of the four basic principles of the plan was flexibility in the event of a resurgence of the pandemic.

This flexibility allows us to move backwards and forwards through multiple levels of library services. Throughout 2020, we have been moving forward, adding levels of services as the numbers of COVID-19 cases declined.

Hang on to your hats — the pandemic isn’t done with us yet. The resurgence is happening. We are now in a position where we may need to move backward through the service levels in order to keep our patrons and staff safe. And we may not be able to give much notice.

Hopeful note: We do not plan to close completely and, if we need to cut back in-library services, we hope it won’t be for long. In the meantime, you can enjoy our virtual programming like Facebook Story Time, attend our virtual workshops, and stop by the library to grab a Take & Make Kit for the kids.

Also, you can support our library in two fun, safe ways this season. Our Annual (outdoor) Greenery Sale is Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and, new this year, we will be holding an online Holiday Silent Auction; preview begins Nov. 30 and bidding dates are Dec. 5 and 6.

Information about all of our programs and events may be found online at RensselaervilleLibray.org or give us a call at 518-797-3949. Stay safe and be well!