The PLA is committed to providing information on the rapidly evolving situation with COVID-19 to PLA members and others working in public libraries. This free webinar series, originally running from March 26 to April 23, 2020, featured updates on the current state of the pandemic, examples of how libraries are handling closures and serving their communities virtually, and opportunities to share and learn from each other. A link to the recording of each webinar is available below.

Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: The Current Landscape
Thursday 03/26/2020
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What are public libraries doing in response to COVID-19? How do they make decisions? Where do they get information and how do they share it with their communities? Participants in this webinar will learn about the current landscape of public libraries in the midst of COVID-19 and hear library leaders talk about what they’ve been up to.

Facilitators:
Patrick Losinski, Director General, Metropolitan Library of Columbus (OH)
Patty Ross, Library Director of the Puyallup Public Library (WA)
Larra Clark, Deputy Director of the APL

Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Effective Ways to Work Remotely
Thursday, 2/4/2020
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With library closings and mandatory quarantines, public library staff can find it difficult to transition from a role facing the public to working from home. In this webinar, attendees will learn about software and technology options and learn best practices for being an effective remote employee or manager.

Facilitators:
Cindy Fesemyer, Adult and Community Services Consultant, Public Library Development, Wisconsin Dept. of Public Instruction
Toby Greenwalt, Director, Digital Strategy and Technology Integration, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA
Larra Clark, Deputy Director of the APL

Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Managing Stress and Anxiety
Thursday, 04/09/2020
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In times of uncertainty, taking care of yourself should be a top priority. Library managers need to think about the well-being of their staff, and staff need to think about the well-being of its patrons. How do you deal with stress and work with an anxious audience in these difficult times? In this webinar, attendees will hear from members of the PLA Social Worker Working Group on ways to approach self-care, prioritize wellness, and manage stress and anxiety.

Facilitators:
Debra Keane, LCSW, Coordinator, Social Work, Jefferson County Public Library (CO)
Susan Voss-Rothmeier, LCSW, Project Respond Library Crisis Services, Multnomah County (OR) Library
Kathleen M. Hughes, PLA Publications Manager

Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Innovative Solutions in Times of Crisis
Thursday 04/16/2020
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Public libraries are constantly evolving to meet the needs of their communities. When the doors are closed, how do libraries evolve to meet users where they are? What about planning for the future? Attendees of this webinar will hear from examples of library staff who have responded to this time of crisis with innovative solutions to services and programs.

Facilitators:
Pam Sandlian Smith, Director, Anythink Libraries, Adams County, CO
Marcellus Turner, Executive Director and Chief Librarian, Seattle Public Library (WA)
Kelvin Watson, Director of Libraries, Broward County Libraries Division (FL)
Mary Hirsh, Deputy Director of the PLA

Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Results of National Investigation
Wednesday 22/04/2020
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More than 2,500 public libraries responded to the largest national survey on public library responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, from March 24 to April 1. What have we learned about closures, services and staff that can help libraries understand how their peers are responding to the current crisis and plan for future recovery? How do organizations like PLA and ALA use this data, and what could you do with it? Because the landscape is changing so rapidly, PLA plans to conduct another investigation on this topic.

Facilitators:
Linda Hofschire, Director, Library Research Service, Colorado State Library
Kolleen Taylor, Library Director, Bertha Bartlett Public Library, Story City, IA
Emily Plagman, PLA Manager, Impact and Advocacy

Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Strategies to Advance Digital Equity Now
Thursday 23/04/2020
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Over 20 million people do not have broadband access at home at a time when virtually every aspect of our lives has a digital component. Public libraries have long been part of a digital equity solution with devices, Internet access, and technology training. What are libraries doing while our buildings are closed and the need for digitally disconnected people is greater than ever? Speakers will share strategies ranging from amplifying WiFi signals and deploying mobile hotspots to mapping and advertising public WiFi access. Participants will have the opportunity to share and ask questions.

Facilitators:
Betsy Fowler, Director, Williamsburg Regional Library (VA)
Misty Hawkins, Director, Arkansas River Valley Regional Library
Julie Walker, Georgia State Librarian
Larra Clark, Deputy Director of the APL