Sarasota's libraries are thriving
Renee Di Pilato
Alisa Mitchell
Throughout this past year of extraordinary change, the question we have been asked most often is: “When can we go back to the library?” Far from being in decline, our public libraries – and the space and resources they provide – have never been in more demand.
Like most organizations, our libraries were required to take health and safety measures last year that limited indoor gatherings. But the Sarasota County Libraries were among the first in the country to reopen – and to respond to the tremendous community demand for access to our libraries.
Throughout the pandemic, staff found ways to make books, technology, learning and enrichment activities available through robust digital services and innovations like mobile hotspot lending, curbside pickup and outdoor programs. The pandemic has created a pent-up desire to return to the library for community activities and collaborative learning opportunities. The library is certainly poised to meet these needs.
For the Sarasota County Libraries, the past 12 months have been a time of innovation, growth and re-commitment to serving our diverse community in new ways. With demand for materials, services, technology and community spaces stronger than ever, our libraries continue to enjoy high levels of support and appreciation from all segments of our community.
In 2020 the borrowing of digital materials soared 55% – and borrowing for print materials remained strong. Although there are still temporary limits on indoor meetings, newspapers are available – as are books, audio-visual materials, computers and Wi-Fi. Limited in-person events are already taking place, and we look forward to expanding such opportunities over the summer months.