Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1302793
They say that necessity is the mother of invention; perhaps, then, it also is the mother of "re-invention." When the COVID-19 pandemic forced all public buildings to close, the Middle Georgia Regional Library stepped up its game and reinvented the library to adapt to the evolving needs of home-bound residents. "This is one of the roles of the library system," said Jennifer Lautzenheiser, director of the six-county library system. "It's part of our core mission. We want to stand firmly in the gap of access to the library's many resources." Toward that end, the libraries have gone far above and beyond the call of duty to help all residents, but especially our low-income population. Among its most recent offerings: Wifi has been extended to the libraries' parking lots; hot spots have been stationed near school buildings to allow for student access; digital offerings and resources have been expanded; and interactive children's materials have been rolled out. The Middle Georgia Regional Library applied for and received grants to help make possible some of these recent expansions. Additionally, to make access simpler for all, the libraries have changed the process to allow for library card registration online, permitting easy access to all its digital resources. "The folks at the library are awesome," said Tina Dennard, president and co- founder of the Adopt a Role Model Program, which she started in Macon 30 years ago. "I want the kids and families who are part of my program to be comfortable using the library." Prior to sheltering-in-place, Dennard routinely asked a library staffer to join the Adopt a Role Model Program meeting to issue library cards and help families learn how to utilize the many resources offered. Now, even though many families are still sheltering at home, "We can go around the world through the library," she said. To help get the word out about its many new offerings, the library system is working hand-in-hand with other community agencies. According to Mark Bohnsted, deputy director of the Middle Georgia Regional Library, he is participating in Zoom conferences weekly with the United Way, Community Foundation of Central Georgia and other community agencies – all of whom are committed to working together to help Middle Georgia. "We are intentional about being good community partners and sharing information with one another," he said. "It's about keeping everyone connected with the arts, culture and communication." —Lisa Pritchard Mayfield Jennifer Lautzenheiser 2