The following includes current assumptions regarding FEL operations as Sno-Isle Libraries begins a phased approach to re-opening community library locations. Please note that all recommendations developed by the FEL board are designed to comply with local public health guidelines, as well as parameters established by Sno-Isle Libraries for all of the Friends groups and volunteers across the system. We miss seeing you in person – at the library, at Friends events, and in the community. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you feel connected to the library and each other during this time ([email protected]).
Regarding member programming
- We plan to offer online monthly member programs for the foreseeable future, via Zoom. This includes the addition of July and August programs, which we have typically not held due to busy summer schedules, though feel will be a great addition to a socially-distanced summer.
- We will maintain the cadence of meeting the fourth Thursday of every month, with times to-be-determined based on presenter availability.
- Programs will be recorded and emailed for those who are unable to attend live.
- Our summer member meeting dates are below. We hope to see you there!
- Thursday, June 25 (6 PM, featuring Teresa Wippel, Publisher of MyEdmondsNews, discussing how COVID-19 has changed the way local news is covered. Zoom log-in details to be shared early next week);
- Thursday, July 23 (time and presenter TBD); and
- Thursday, August 27 (time and presenter TBD).
Regarding book sales and donations
- Given its high-contact, high-traffic nature, the October annual book sale will not be held in the Frances Anderson Center this year.
- However, the FEL board is currently considering other options to engage the community with our excellent collection, potentially through a smaller-scale event the same weekend, and/or alternate, low-contact sales campaigns throughout the fall and winter. Please let us know if you have ideas!
- Regarding the ongoing book sale at the Edmonds Library – the *soonest* the system can welcome all Friends and other community volunteers back to the library will be during Stage Four of the state’s reopening plan. (We are currently in Stage Two – more information about the staged approach is here).
- Unfortunately, we don’t know when this will be, nor do we know what volunteer activities will look like, given social distancing and public health guidelines.
- We *do* anticipate that all volunteers will be provided with updated training to ensure their own safety and the safety of others, when the time comes.
- Because we do not have access to our incredible cohort of volunteers to sort books in the library or our sorting room, the Friends donation bin at the front of the library will remain closed until volunteers can resume their activity.
- Large donations will be considered for outdoor only pick-up on a case-by-case basis – dependent largely on storage capacity and ability to maintain social distancing during pick-up.
We are happy to address any other questions you may have at any time, and appreciate your patience as we adjust to the new normal.