Break out the party hats and noisemakers – not for New Year’s Eve, but to celebrate the return of in-person programming to all The Library’s locations this January.

The Library’s community members will now get the best of both worlds – the social connection of live events and the convenience of online programs because virtual options will still be available.  

While in-person programs remain limited in number and scope, the winter slate inches closer to The Library’s pre-COVID lineup of fun, engaging events.

“We have been waiting so long for this,” said Public Services Director Lori Milach. “Our programs have always encouraged people to make deep social connections.”

Hands-on activities for kids  

For nearly two years, The Library has continued nurturing the love of reading through virtual Storytimes and other children’s events. The return of in-person programming restores the social-development element that was missing.

“Youth Services’ job is not only to fulfill a love of literacy but also to help children build external connections,” said Youth Services Director Hannah Killian. “That’s an important skill for children to learn, to be able to ask another adult for help and learn how to communicate with people outside your family unit. Kids have not had those opportunities, and our Youth Services staff have really felt lonely.”

The Library’s in-person storytimes will look somewhat different at first, with small sessions held in four libraries. At both Elizabethville Area Library and Kline Library, preschool and toddler storytimes will be combined. Separate toddler and preschool sessions will be held at East Shore Area Library and Alexander Family Library. For families that are not comfortable attending in-person or cannot attend in-person, virtual Storytimes will continue.

Youth Services is also restoring in-person programming for other events and ages:

• The five-week Family Place program returns to Northern Dauphin Library. Every Monday, children can enjoy playtime while parents get the chance to chat with local health care, human services, or other professional brought in to answer questions.
• Secret Agent Academy at William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library. Kids ages 7 to 12 get to practice ciphers and codebreaking games with a STEM focus.
• Chess club, with chess coach Josh Moss.
• Anime Club for teens at East Shore Area Library.
• Popup science programs, January at East Shore Area Library, February at Kline Library, and March at Madeline L. Olewine Memorial in March. Best for children ages 5+ and their families, each event links to a book with a science concept and hands-on activity.
• Explore Space at Elizabethville Area Library, in partnership with Lykens Valley Children’s Museum.

Access to Library programming teaches children that they can pursue learning everywhere and any time.

“For some kids, that out-of-school time is the place where they are allowed to dig into something that interests them,” said Killian. “Kids need in-person experiences and opportunities to ask questions informally. They can get their hands on something and get a little messy and dig into something, which hopefully helps them find things they like to do.”

• Registration is limited for all in-person events.
• Vaccinations are not required.
• Masks are required for attendees over age 2.
• In order to maintain social distancing, all attendees, including adults accompanying children to kids’ programs, must register in advance.

Adult fun and learning

Library members love the convenience of virtual programs, but they are also “itching to get back in person,” said Adult Programming and Outreach Coordinator Ashley Famularo. “For some people, it’s about having a little bit of normalcy in their lives. They appreciate less screen time, especially if they already have a desk job looking at a computer all day. Some people feel more comfortable in person, with the chance to ask questions and interact and feel a better connection to the community.”

A variety of adult programming returns to in-person status this winter. Highlights include:

• Voter information programs presented in partnership with the League of Women Voters.
• Walk-in programs, such as a houseplant swap at East Shore Area Library.
• Craft programs.
• A screening of “Reggie,” hosted by The Library at Midtown Cinema, 6:30 p.m. January 11. Audiences will get a sneak peek, before it comes to streaming services, at the comedy about a man whose miniature horse helps him manage depression and anxiety.
• Fitness programs, in person and virtually, from Black Girl Health Foundation.

Selected in-person events will be livestreamed via Zoom, on specially purchased hybrid-programming equipment.

“We try to make it as interactive as possible,” said Famularo. “We’re getting a little creative. It all depends on the person and their comfort level and the type of program, but it feels so novel now to be in person. It feels really nice.”

Reconnecting

The Library hopes to continue expanding in-person options in the spring, summer and fall.

“My hope is that people feel a sense of community, meet some other members of their community, and see that The Library is still here and still a vibrant part of what makes our communities a good place,” said Killian.

Winter registration begins December 20 for the first round of programs. Registration for a second session begins February 7, when Library personnel will try to prioritize registration for those who didn’t or couldn’t participate in the first round.