With over 7,500 in-person programs and 2.5 million library visits each year, locking the doors to our branches was absolutely devastating to our communities. In Kent County, approximately one-third of third graders are not reading at grade level and 15% of adults lack basic literacy skills. We knew that with summer fast approaching, we needed to make sure we could continue to deliver the same great services we usually do in a safe and effective manner. With patrons reaching out via email and social media, we saw an opportunity to utilize our digital platforms and engage in a new and meaningful way with our online audience.

While our first livestream in March was relatively unpolished (the camera was actually sideways), our Programming Deparment quickly worked to improve the programs by investing in a livestreaming service and new equipment, and developing training for staff. Our summer reading program, Summer Wonder, provided an excellent opportunity to test our steel. For the first time ever, KDL mailed thousands of Summer Wonder workbooks to local residents who normally might have picked up their summer reading materials in one of our branches. We also began producing weekly episodes of our programs for local access TV channels.

By shifting our programs online, heavily promoting our digital collections and resources and significantly increasing hold limits on many digital materials, we saw, between March and September, 692 programs with 104,983 attendees, a 40% increase in database usage, a 46% increase in digital circulation and 30,850 new digital collection patrons. Our Summer Wonder program saw nearly 10,000 registrants. Today, we continue to offer our programs to an ever-growing online following of all ages. Other libraries nationwide have reached out, and KDL staff are now consulting these libraries on virtual programming.