Richfield Library keeps doors open, attracts patrons from far and wide

Many business and government offices are still operating remotely, but the Richfield Branch Library reopened last summer and is attracting patrons from all over Northeast Ohio.

“When we turned the phones back on, the staff was overwhelmed by the gratitude of the community,’’ said branch Manager Jennifer Stencel. “Well into the fall, we received calls from surprised and relieved patrons asking, ‘Are you really open?’ and ‘We missed you, We’re on our way.”’

Since the branch is one of only a few that are fully operational, she said, customers have come from as far as Mentor and Orrville for books and computer access.

“We have a dozen or so visitors coming in daily for our internet, to log into school or to work,” Stencel said.

One family drove from Cleveland Heights and stayed for over an hour, thrilled to find a library that was open. A college student spent eight-hour days studying and using a whiteboard to prepare for her exams.

“People are so happy to be able to return,” Stencel said.

When the statewide shutdown occurred in March 2020, furloughed library staffers had to quickly teach themselves how to operate remotely, studying Zoom and Microsoft Teams and buying new headphones, microphones and smartphones.

Stencel, the only employee during that time, trained in contactless service and social distancing programming. She also checked in on the branch, changed the book for the Storywalk, worked the virtual reference desk, and posted book suggestions and activity ideas to the branch’s Instagram account, @richfieldbranch.

Staff started returning in June, and by the end of July, everyone was back and the Richfield Library was open for business.

Staffers keep up to date on the changing protocols on how to clean library materials and keep patrons safe. Masks are mandatory and computers, copy machines and restrooms are wiped down regularly after use.

Staffers also changed the interior, moving furniture and rearranging the lobby and floor space to accommodate physical distancing. Barriers separate visitors from the front desk and other areas. There is only one chair per table, and computers are spaced out.

The first hour of operation on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10-11 a.m., is reserved for seniors.

Stencel said the staff realizes there is no “going back to normal;” rather, the library is moving forward.

“We were inspired by such phrases that referred to this time as ‘The Great Pause’ and ‘The Great Reset,’” she said. “We liked the idea of resetting. We liked that it gave us permission to focus on the very crucial and important things: community happiness, wellness, and togetherness.”

That includes being a place where the community can connect, physically and virtually, through programming and services, Stencel said.

When other limited, in-person programming, like book discussions in the Reading Garden and meditative walks for teens on the Carter-Pedigo Trail were no longer an option, library staff focused on providing virtually-engaging experiences.

For example, the teen librarians throughout the Akron-Summit County Library
system offered the Virtual Zombie Escape Room. And there are several ongoing virtual book clubs, including a Goodreads travel book discussion and an on-your-own mystery discussion. Adult Librarian Mike Daly resumed leading the Kiwanis book discussion virtually.

Readers can receive book recommendations through a new email service, Your Next Five Reads, or schedule a session to talk with a staffer virtually. There are also special craft kits available, like Learn Hand-Lettering for Teens and Doodling for Stress Relief.

“Coming soon is a pilot program for teens called Lit Loot boxes, patterned after book subscription boxes like Owlcrate, which will contain a few returnable library books and keep-able themed goodies,” Stencel said.

For families, Youth Librarian Diane Nagy is launching Beat the Winter Blues grab-and-go bags, with themes like family friendly card games. Families can also check out nature kits: Night Sky comes with a telescope and Backyard Explorer is filled with play tools and activities.

Richfield Library still offers curbside pickup service for those not comfortable coming inside the building.

“Just call us when you arrive, and we’ll run your holds out to a table outside,” Stencel said.

Contact the library at 330-659-4343. ∞

   Compiled from information submitted by Librarian Jen Stencel

Featured image photo caption: Richfield Branch Library evolved and continued serving patrons during the pandemic, including bringing books outside for pickup.  Photo courtesy of Richfield Library

The library staff poses with masks in front of the Richfield Branch Library for perhaps a historic photo of Pandemic 2020. Shown (l-r) are children’s librarian Diane Nagy, Angela Lee, Christina Turner, branch manager and teen librarian Jennifer Stencel, adult librarian Michael Daly, and Allison Geraci.