Top 5 ways that Libraries help during COVID!

Are you bored at home? Having a tough time finding activities for your kids? Or, do you need internet access to WFH or take online classes? 

Here are the top 5 ways the Great Falls Public Library can help!

  1. Watch these interactive Kids’ Place videos with your own kids, your grandkids, nieces or nephews, or even your best friends’ kids. This is a fun activity that you can do in person, or even on Zoom. There are several links to other fun online activities available on the Library’s website at greatfallslibrary.org/kids-place.

2. Sign up for a Library card if you haven’t already done so. It’s quick and easy!

 

3. Subscribe to the Wowbrary newsletter. This newsletter gives you the first pick at new books arriving at the Library each week. Watch your TBR pile grow without spending a dime! The Library also has a great selection of audiobooks and DVDs. After placing your holds, pick them up through the new drive-up window. You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own car to visit the Library now!

4. Of course, you can still visit the Library IRL, just remember to wear a mask, and give other patrons some space. This is not too much of an issue for us bibliophiles. In fact, we are naturals at it. You can find the current Library hours here.

5. The Library also offers free access to the Internet.  You can now check out a free hot spot from the Library and take it home with you. Or, if you prefer you may also visit the Library to use the Wi-Fi for free in a quiet space during business hours. Some folks have even parked outside the building to use the Wi-Fi from the safety of their cars, or when the Library is closed to patrons.

One more thing…

Maybe you are happy as can be tucked in at home in your comfy chair. You might have a cup of tea and your Corona puppy at your feet, or your Covid cat on your lap. New books are arriving every few days from your favorite online bookstore. Okay, maybe that’s just me. If you can relate, consider sending a donation to the Library Foundation. And, you don’t even need to leave your warm, comfy home to do so.  Your gift will help support the children, elderly, and other vulnerable folks in the community by providing free books, free internet access, and many other resources.

This year the Library Foundation is fundraising to buy a new Bookmobile to deliver books around Great Falls and the surrounding communities, once it is safe to do so again.  Students at Great Falls High created this great PSA to support the Bookmobile Campaign. They are so creative!  Enjoy!

What are other ways that you have used the Library to help cope during the pandemic? Please feel free to share in the comments section below.

 

Missoula, MT -Finding Community in the Nonprofit Community

Written by: Kayla Sheridan

The Missoula community has over 1,500 listed Nonprofit organizations!v

As donors and volunteers, we want to spend our dollar and time on causes that produce the most significant welfare gains. However, many of us actually spend our resources on the causes that we care about! Charity is exceptionally dependent on our own personal identities & Nonprofit sectors help create a culture within communities.

The Nonprofit sector in Missoula has more organizations per capita compared to almost all of the other cities in the United States. Wow! The majority of these organizations work hard to both engage and educate individuals on issues and opportunities in the community. For the most part, Nonprofits strive to make positive change, provide a sense of community, and help individuals create an identity. Our Nonprofits in Missoula are essential in sustaining our unique community here.

Below are steps you can take to help you find a Nonprofit you can support.

1)    Align Potential Organizations with Your Values
2)    Decide What Type of Good You Hope to Support
3)    Research Online
4)    Fill Your Experience Gap
5)    Search Social Media
6)    Exercise Your Options

For those in Missoula, I recommend this website to help you in your search for your Nonprofit community:
http://www.volunteermissoula.org/agency/index/?dir=ASC&orderby=agency_name

Nonprofits make change by bringing people together around a common goal! For anyone who needs to hear it, go find your Nonprofit community and help make your community a better place right now. In today’s tech-savvy world, it’s easier than ever to support your favorite Nonprofits.

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