Due to the COVID-19 pandemic taking the world by storm and becoming a prevalent global presence earlier last spring, many organizations have had to adapt the way they serve their local communities over the course of nearly two decades. Libraries are amongst the countless organizations making changes. La Porte County Public Library (LPCPL) is one that has been especially innovative in coming up with smart and effective ways to continue serving its community.
The essential role of public libraries is more vital than ever as our nation’s counties grapple with the impact of the pandemic and attempt to move beyond it. Libraries have adapted to the current environment in new and innovative ways, helping people gain vital access to information and necessary services.
While we are all experiencing uncertain times, the pandemic has been unsuccessful in changing LPCPL’s mission. The organization has come up with creative ideas to adapt their services in the face of COVID restrictions and shutdowns.
Director Fonda Owens shared about some exciting news affecting the townsfolk of La Porte, Indiana, as well as the LPCPL team.
“Our new location opened mid-year this year,” Owens said. “It is called ‘The Exchange.’ That has been pretty exciting, and we were so fortunate. It is across the street from the main library here and is a different kind of space from what people think of when they think of a traditional library.”
The Exchange at LPCPL does not offer books at this location as it is an innovative, library-makerspace. This location allows for community members to have a space to go collaborate with others, learn a new skill, explore a hobby, plan a business, and much more without the cost of owning equipment. There are meeting rooms, video and audio studios, machines, tools, and more, all available free to the public.
This equipment includes power tools, which can all be found at this link.
“We have a new strategic plan,” Owens said. “One of the things we’re really doing is continuing to work on and develop the services needed as we change the building. We’re also going to be taking a look at some of our more traditional services and thinking about how we can get more people involved. Especially with the impact the pandemic has had, we’re keeping learning front of mind. We really want students to be a part of our summer reading program. Reading and learning is so important.”
Outside of The Exchange, the LPCPL staff seeks ways to partner with others to continue their efforts in supporting their local community.
“Other things we’re doing is working very closely with our Friends of Libraries, which is a nonprofit group that supports the library and the work of the library,” Owens said. “We’re working together to plan the annual summer reading program and also work on a tech pack program. This is where we’re working to address the internet connectivity issue that’s prevalent in our community. We’re looking for ways to help create more hot spots, because as many parents can attest to, if you have three children on the internet at once, work cannot get done at the speed necessary.”
Additionally, the LPCPL is excited that outside of The Exchange and the wonderful amenities the location offers, it is also able to offer newspapers, free notary services, access to fax machines, copier services, curbside pickups to the community, as well as e-book and digital services, online programs such as online story times and virtual crafting sessions, and much more.
“I have been happy that we have found ways to operate and allow people to visit our eight locations, because for a while we were all trying to navigate our next steps and how to best serve the community, while tackling a pandemic,” Owens said. “We wanted there to be a place for the community to have access to the resources they needed and have someone they could go to guide them on other agencies for aid in their times of need.”
For more information about the La Porte County Public Library, visit laportelibrary.org. For a list of all LCPL locations, click here to learn more.