Spring Valley Public Library

Here’s a little update on what is happening at the Spring Valley PL! First, we miss you all dearly during this closure. This library has not been a hush-hush quiet place since I became director 6 years ago. I love working at an “alive” library where conversations, laughter, and giggling children are heard throughout the day. It’s been very quiet lately, and I am just not used to that. Jeanette and I are working hard at getting some fun things set up for the kids, keeping up on daily tasks while tackling some extra ones, and working on projects and programs. We are keeping our distance from one another and sometimes have to put a table between us to remind us that we can’t slide our chairs closer, lol. We are following all the protocols set out by the CDC to keep us safe. I just wanted to check in with you and let you know we are doing well and are healthy. Please feel free to send us message on Facebook or email me at sv_dir@selco.info and let us know how you are doing. We miss you and we care about you! We are not sure yet when we will open. Be assured your books are not due and there are not new fines accruing. Just enjoy reading them and when we can get you new ones we will. For now, we are all in this together and need to work towards staying well!

For those of you who could use some help with stress management these days, here are some free apps and some information from the World Health Organization.

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/coping-with-stress.pdf?sfvrsn=9845bc3a_8

https://www.stress.org/mental-health-apps

If you have always wanted to start a blog but have no idea how to do it, take a peek here and find some easy steps to get started! https://www.bloggingbasics101.com/how-do-i-start-a-blog/

Continue your learning experiences in the comfort of your own home by taking advantage of a free month long trial of The Great Courses Plus! So many different learning opportunities! https://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/lp/t1/freemo?source_id=FREEMO&utm_source=Social_Media&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=1000733&fbclid=IwAR00ZBrjSM_pHL9P3paTQ3quKipszs4B_1vYt9zO5A7P00XFfjDp5bAuBOg

The Spring Valley Public Library will be following suit in the Governor’s closing of schools in MN beginning on Wednesday. While we understand that the library is a vital resource for many in our community, we are hoping to be a partner in flattening the curve of the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing. The disinfecting and cleaning of materials isn’t fully defined yet, so we need time to work with the powers that be to figure that out. We are hopeful to be able to offer some sort of circulation in a limited capacity in the near future, but again, we are waiting for more information about how this might work for our library. Don’t worry about due dates of your materials as they will be extended until we open again. We will also be going fine free until we reopen. We are still figuring out how to deal with items on hold. We will be open today until 6:00 pm and tomorrow from 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Please come in and pick up your items, your current holds and anything else you might need by 7:00 pm tomorrow night. Our meeting room will also not be available after tomorrow for those who have groups who meet here, so please plan accordingly. Any questions please call us at 507-346-2100 or email jsimon@selco.info. We are all in this together!

We have joined forces with driving-tests.org to bring forth the opportunity to practice test-taking skills before the real test with the DMV. There are tests for regular driving, motorcycles, and even CDL licenses. The tests are easy to follow and a great way to prep for an upcoming exam! Click on the link below or there will be a permanent link in the right hand column under Library Resources on our home page of the website. There are also driver’s manuals that are are available in audiobook format or as a PDF for printing! This is a free service and open to anyone who would like to brush up on their skills or prepare for testing. THIS IS NOT THE ACTUAL TEST-ONLY PRACTICE!