As NPL closed its physical doors due to the impact of COVID-19, this also meant the end of 170 weekly programs produced across our 21 locations. These storytimes, educational programs and countless other initiatives are vital resources for the community, especially during unprecedented times. NPL immediately took action and began working with librarians to provide beloved in-person programs in an innovative and accessible way.

Upon the COVID-19 closures, multiple departments from NPL joined together to strategize and develop the NPL Universe brand, which included revised website functionality, branded logos and training tools to help programmers develop quality online programming. The departments also curated content from our diverse range of librarians, puppeteers and administrative staff to provide a similar experience that patrons have come to expect from their library.

To date, NPLU has successfully transitioned its regular programming to the online realm and has provided more than 1,390 videos to the public since closing our doors. Thanks to the efforts of marketing and production staff, these videos all provide quality programming that remains true to NPL’s standards and mission. The campaign launched the brand and content just 30 days following the closure of our buildings, which highlights the efficiency and creativity of multiple departments coming together.