The Pandemic Library

Some of our libraries where I live in the Southern Tier of New York State (the part bordering Pennsylvania) are going to reopen next week, so that patrons can actually go into the building.  Up to now (for us, it's just been for the past two or three weeks), it's only been curbside pickup.

I've been depending on magazines I hoarded saved for later and never read, plus taking out eBooks from the New York City public library.  I have to say, I enjoyed the books I was able to read from the library system of my youth, but I wanted something I could hold and read the old-fashioned way.

Finally, yesterday, I called just as Your Home Library (Johnson City, New York) opened and was the librarian on the other end of the phone helpful.

I've blogged before about Your Home Library and want to share some pictures (pre-pandemic) with you, but first, a brief history.

This vintage library dates from March of 1917, meaning, first, that it celebrated its 103rd birthday (in the original building, may I add) as we were locking down and second, it means that it was operating during the flu pandemic of 1918.  It's seen prosperity and it's seen bad times.

Some original furniture

Part of the building, in fact, dates from 1885, and there is original furniture from the 1917 opening still in use (or was, up to now.)

More Vintage

There was a book called "Old Man's War" by John Scalzi, that I took out just a couple of days before our libraries closed down in March.  I read it during our lockdown, loved it, and noted it was the first book of a series. I tried to get the second book but it was on (seemingly) perpetual reserve status.  But I have it now, in physical form, along with a couple of new magazines.

I'm pumped.  Starting Monday, I can actually go in there for 15 minutes at a visit, and browse (mask required).  Who would have thought a small thing like that would have been so exciting.

This library survived the 1918 flu pandemic and it will survive this pandemic, too.  It wasn't easy, but it (and our community) has survived a lot.

Hard times still lie ahead, but we will get through this.