Put on Hold: Libraries Persevere Throughout Quarantine and Beyond

Abstract

In March of 2020, the world was plunged into a pandemic. Many businesses and public spaces had to shut down, thus their employees losing jobs and community spaces becoming vacant. Libraries, public and academic, we forced to shift and evolve their systems in order to continue being a valuable source to the public. As the pandemic went on, new strategies were implemented into these library systems to allow patrons to safely check out books and use their resources. Technology was embraced and used to host virtual events and even office hours, all free to the public. Libraries, a valuable hub of information and community, found ways to still be in the lives of their patrons, cementing their importance in the social structure that brings communities together.