BCPL

News release

This week, The Boyle County Public Library (BCPL) invites all community members to find the library at their place by visiting the website BoylePubLib.org to access virtual services and resources. While the library’s physical spaces may be temporarily closed due to COVID-19, the public can discover ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music, online storytimes, and much more — all from home. Online resources available through the BCPL website include Tutor.com, Hoopla, OverDrive, LinkedIn Learning, Kentucky Virtual Library (KYVL), and Ancestry (which can now be accessed from home).

In times of crisis, libraries respond to their community’s needs in innovative and inspiring ways. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, libraries of all types are continuing to make a difference in people’s lives by providing electronic learning resources, including virtual homework help, as well as information about keeping your family well and safe. BCPL offers a wide array of virtual services such as storytimes, book recommendations, digital library cards, STEAM activities, tutorials on how to access online services, and information about additional free online activities.

April 19-25, 2020 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. This National Library Week, the public can show their appreciation and support for libraries by visiting their library’s website, following them on social media, and using the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek.

The original theme for National Library Week, “Find your place at the library,” was chosen months ago before the emergence of a global pandemic would force libraries to close their buildings. In response to our rapidly-changing times, the theme was revised to “Find the library at your place” to bring attention to how libraries are open for business online, offering the electronic services and digital content their communities need now more than ever.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries of all types across the country each April. 

National Library Week at BCPL will look a little different this year with virtual activities instead of in-person events. Library staff will post a fun message to patrons on the library’s Facebook pages on Sunday to kick off the week. Each day the library’s Facebook pages (The Boyle County Public Library, Boyle County Public Library Children’s Programming, and Boyle County Public Library Genealogy & Local History) will feature “Staff Pick” book recommendations. Those who enjoy doing crossword puzzles and word searches should check the library’s Facebook pages for library-themed puzzles to work on. Fans of Children’s Library “celebrities” Lily the Rabbit or MoMo the Storytime Monkey can email a drawing, photo, or letter to LibraryPenPals@boylepublib.org, to let them know some of the fun things the kids have been doing at home. Lily and MoMo miss seeing the kids and would love to hear from them. With help from library staff, they might even write back. 

In addition to National Library Week activities, BCPL adds new activities to its virtual services each week. Beginning on April 19, the library will host a Virtual Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) for Adults. The library typically hosts three in-person D&D clubs, which are temporarily on hold. Adult Programming Assistant Chuck Geither has found a way to offer the popular event in a digital format for adult library patrons. “We will be using a few different free web tools to make this possible: the Discord app and roll20.net,” says Geither. “Discord provides us a stable voice chat service while roll20 offers a simulated tabletop experience that helps with tracking exploration, combat, and other mechanical rule-bound aspects of the game.” Adults interested in playing virtual D&D will need to have a computer headset and a microphone, as well as a solid internet connection and accounts with Discord and roll20 – which are free to set up. Those interested in playing can register for virtual D&D by emailing cgeither@boylepublib.org.

For more information about any of the library’s virtual activities, visit the library’s website at BoylePubLib.org. Anyone with questions or needing help accessing the library’s online resources may contact the library Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. via email at library@boylepublib.org, or via Facebook Messenger at facebook.com/boylepublib. Patrons can also reach specific departments via the library’s website using the dropdown menu available on boylepublib.org/contact-us.

The Boyle County Public Library serves the city of Danville and the surrounding communities, and is actively committed to enriching the lives of its patrons. The library is located at 307 West Broadway in Danville.