We are saying goodbye to 2020, a tumultuous year to say the least, and welcome 2021. Let’s take a quick look back.
With the COVID-19 epidemic, we were closed for part of the year and did no-contact pickup for part of the year. Like many in the community, several members of the staff contracted the disease, but we all recovered. We greatly appreciate all of you who use the library; you have been great sports. Thanks for hanging in there with us!
We checked out 14,438 physical items in 2020, which is not bad, all things considered.
For comparison we checked out 21,576 in 2010. Final numbers for e-book checkouts are still pending, but are expected to be much, much higher than past years.
Our most checked out books were a little more diverse than in previous years, including a board book, easy readers, a juvenile non-fiction book, a chapter book, and even a grown-up mystery.

EVENTS
Before COVID hit we squeezed in a Harry Potter-themed escape room, which was conquered by kids and adults alike.

Shortly after that everything changed, and the rest of the year was all about connecting in different ways. Summer reading became a take-and-make affair. We put together packets each week for pre-readers, readers and teens/tweens. In the end, we distributed 650 over six weeks. The staff created videos to introduce the contents of each packet and demonstrate the crafts.
Our annual Halloween party also became a take-and-make affair. We gave out 100 or so packets with fun activities, coloring pages, toys and candy. Luckily, many of our friends showed up in costume to pick them up. We love to see those great costumes and big smiles!

The community also played along with our in-person and online favorite candy bracket. After 250 votes, we determined that Lonsdale’s favorite candy is Twix!
We embraced social media more than ever, producing virtual storytimes for kids and book chats for grownups. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, so you don’t miss anything.
Here’s hoping we get to see a lot more of you next year!