The Lewistown Public Library is a community hub of information and opportunity to engage. In the last few months several of our regular programs and services have adapted to different platforms and new engagement opportunities advanced. These expanding platforms offers patrons and the public more options to engage and connect – enhancing the service of your public library.
Here is a short summary of current enhancements:
The Montana Memory Project (MMP) is an online currated historical collection. Photographs, yearbooks, polk directories, historical documents and oral histories are all archived and available on this platform. New engagement opportunites are now available that encourage folks to learn and discover more about a variety of topics including: military records, Montana’s wildlife, Native American leaders and beadwork, wildflowers, trains, gardening, quilts and cookbooks. Visit www.mtmemory.org to access and engage this wonderful collection.
The Library’s Take Out Window service allows patrons to check out library materials and pick them up from outside the building. To utilize this service, call the library directly at 538-5212 for more information. This service was released late April, has been very well received and continues today. Along with the Take Out Window patrons can browse the stacks in the library while wearing masks. Currently, we have a space in the lobby area where patrons can visit the library without masks and can make a selection from the collection and a librarian will assist to retrieve the items for checkout.
Virtual Storytimes for Books & Babies and Preschool/Kinders are adapted programs at the Library. The virtual programs mirror the in-person storytime format including song, story, and a craft for little ones accompanied by a caregiver. Storytime is very popular program at the Library. The virtual storytimes are currently available via the Library Facebook page at lewistownmontanapubliclibrary. Books & Babies is Friday at 10:30 am and Preschool/Kinders Storytime is Saturday at 11:00 am. In the near future we anticipate both storytime options to be accessible on the Library website.
New and trending is the Magical Middles Story Hour on the airwaves. This book reading is aired weekly on KXLO and streamed at kxlo-klcm.com. Youth Librarian Brittney reads for our 3rd– 6th grade students on Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00 p.m. “The List of Things That Will Not Change” by Rebecca Stead reading begins Thursday, August 6. This magical story hour is a new delight at your LPL. Tune in!
Teen Writers Creative Writing Group also evolved and is now online. This group is for all teens with an interest to write creatively. The platform is available 24/7 and offers writing prompts and exercises. Visit https://lplwriters.wordpress.com/?fbclid=IwAR3qebQiJv4OclC21DXGvPQedCRnGjqJJ9B_n5SMtRVKayIjvRFEDnsvvds. Teens also have the option to meet weekly via Zoom on Thursdays @ 3:45 pm. Email Brittney at brittney@lewistownlibrary.org for more information.
Librarian Connect is a feature offered though the Library website. This service allows a patron or the public to connect via email with a Lewistown Public Library Librarian. The connection engages patron and librarian and can serve as a reading recommendation or resource. Access to Librarian Connect can be found on the homepage of the library website.
MontanaLibrary2Go is our virtual collection offering ebooks and audiobooks of all genres and for all ages. Patrons can logon using the OverDrive app and their patron ID #. The link to MontanaLibrary2Go is located on the library website. A detailed tutorial is available on the homepage of the library website to assist with navigating the app. This collection was recently boosted significantly in the last few months to offer more title availability.
Last but not least, the LPL recently added WiFi Hotspots to our card catalog for patron checkout. WiFi Hotspots are reserved for those who do not have internet connection in the home. The WiFi Hotspots are made possible though the Montana State Library.
The beauitful, historic Lewistown Public Library has an abundance of physical collections and resources available to all. Multiple platforms are actively being utilized to support distance engagement, highlight current resources as well as offer modified services in the library building.
For more information visit lewistownlibrary.org or call 538-5212.
