Library staff lend community support during pandemic

Meeting the needs of the community
June 15, 2020
During the pandemic, library staff has continued to meet the needs of the community through virtual programming and digital services as well as providing support for local government, first responders and community organization through non-traditional work.
Here are a few ways library staff have been making a difference:
Facebook_TheWiFiBUS_Social.jpg 6 library locations host weekly WiFi Bus visits
In an effort to narrow the digital divide, the library partnered with SacRT, California State Transportation Agency and the City of Sacramento to provide free community hotspots with WiFi Buses in areas with limited high-speed internet access.
 
2020-logo-sharing-card.jpg 5,350 Census 2020 outreach phone calls
As US Census 2020 awareness efforts shifted away from in-person outreach, library staff helped share the message by calling library patrons.
 
PC-Refresh.jpg 286 surplus computers for students in need
In response to the unprecedented events that changed the way schools provide education and the lack of available devices for students, the library provided 286 surplus computers to the Sacramento County Office of Education to distribute to special education families.
 
faceshield-assembly.jpg 400+ face shields
Using 3D printers, library staff produced and distributed more than 400 face shields for public health staff working at COVID-19 testing sites at Cal Expo and St. Paul’s Church, long-term care and skilled nursing facility nurses, and library staff interfacing with the public.
 
Library-Card-front.jpg 4,500+ Virtual Library Cards Issued
Despite the closure, Sacramento Public Library’s virtual doors remained open and issued more than 4,500 virtual library cards since March expanding access to its robust digital collection.

 
iphone-933205_1920.jpg 178 hours of phone assistance for Great Plates
Library staff assisted the Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement with The Great Plates Delivered program with phone outreach to the public to assist with enrollment.