Summer is halfway over for the public libraries of New Mexico and that means halfway through a different kind of Summer Reading Program. Gone are the filled meeting rooms with a magician performing tricks for dozens of families; gone are the weekly trips to the library to turn in reading logs and pick up prizes.This year, programs have moved online or curbside or a mixture of both. Libraries are providing take and go crafts in bags with Facebook tutorials for completing the craft like Thomas Branigan Memorial Library. Some libraries are doing virtual prize raffles like Los Lunas Public Library. Some libraries are working together to provide virtual programming across communities like Edgewood and Albuquerque. Libraries have gone virtual for turning in hours, like Rio Rancho Public Libraries. Even though Summer may look different this year, libraries are adapting and figuring out what works best for them!
The State Library is helping by working with the New Mexico Library Foundation to provide virtual programs. In June, musician Andy Mason performed 5 Facebook concerts around the state at:
- Grants Public Library
- The Public Library Albuquerque- Bernalillo County
- Lovington Public Library
- Alamogordo Public Library
- Silver City Public Library
Explora Science Center in Albuquerque is has made fairy tale themed STEM videos using materials found at home:
- Humpty Dumpty: How Strong is an Egg
- Humpty Dumpty: Egg Jumper
- Rapunzel: Hair & Fibers Up Close
- Rapunzel: Strength of Hair
- Three Billy Goats Gruff: Science Investigation
And we’re hosting an online reading log for those libraries that are in need of one! All of this information, including how to find the library closest you, can be found on our new Summer Reading website.
The Lieutenant Governor, Howie Morales, even joined in on the fun and read The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell! You can check out his video on Facebook or read more about it here.
Yes, Summer 2020 has needed to be reimagined and the libraries of New Mexico have done an outstanding job figuring out new ways to provide services and programming to their communities!
