Woodstock's library adjusts to virtual life

The Norman Williams Public Library in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

From the knitting group and book reviews to a festival, the Norman Williams Public Library in Woodstock, Vermont, dove into virtual offerings in recent months like many nonprofits have — and that's expected to continue into the long term.

Clare McFarland, the library's director, expected that to hold true even after the pandemic, with any new program having some kind of online component. 

"Going forward, I think there'll always be a virtual presence," she said. "I think people are becoming more and more comfortable with doing things virtually." 

A number of programs have been online now for weeks, including children's programs and a YouTube channel featuring book reviews. That channel, run by Adult Services Director Kathy Beaird, will soon feature a new cooking series. This past week, the library helped launch the virtual version of the Bookstock Literary Festival, which presents four authors this year. Next up for the local library: a virtual book launch for "Sustainable Kitchen: Recipes and Inspiration for Plant-based, Planet Conscious Meals" with Upper Valley authors Heather Wolfe and Jaynie McCloskey, coming up at 7 p.m. on Tuesday (email programs@normanwilliams.org for an invite to this free Zoom Webinar). 

At top left, Meg Brazill, director of communications and events for the Norman Williams Public Library, speaks during Thursday’s virtual Bookstock event with poet Reuben Jackson, at top right, with New York Times bestselling author Jenna Blum as host for the evening. (Image Provided)

McFarland said it's not possible to plan everything during the evolution of these online events, and so, it's important to be flexible. 

"It's a matter of letting it evolve," she said, adding, "People are definitely learning new strengths they didn't know they had."   

It's now been a month since the library reopened its building, located near Woodstock's picturesque Village Green. McFarland was appointed to be the library's director in July, after having worked there for eight years. She said the library’s reopening has gone well in spite of the challenges amid the pandemic, and the staff has worked together very well to keep operations moving forward. The public has also been greatly supportive.

"There's been no issue with mask-wearing, and people following the rules," McFarland said. "It's been better than we could have hoped for." 

Current hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from noon to 6 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday are curbside only, same hours. There’s a 30-minute limit for patrons on the main floor, where there is a five-person limit as well.

“We’re trying to cycle people through the building as best we can, without having people hanging around,” McFarland said.

For those coming in, there’s a table in the entrance way with hand sanitizer, and there are five tickets on the table. Each person is asked to take a ticket, and if someone comes in and all five tickets are gone, that person needs to wait until one comes back.

The children’s room is by appointment only, and there is also a five-person limit in that space.

McFarland said the curbside pick-up option continues to be popular, and overall library operations are going well under the new procedures.

“Things are working very smoothly right now.”

— Gareth Henderson