Despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, the Kalona Public Library has been able to accomplish a variety of projects in 2020.

Library Director Trevor Sherping and Director of Youth Services Olivia Kahler delivered the library’s annual report via ZOOM to the Kalona City Council this week. Sherping says they were able to unveil an updated website, a volunteer handbook, and increase their number of register card holders to almost 5,000. Sherping says another positive is actually a result of COVID-19, “We also started doing curbside (pickup) really early and that is something in talking with the (library) board we are planning on keeping going into the future even after the pandemic is over. There’s been a ton of positive feedback.”

Sherping says there’s no denying the impact of COVID-19, as the library has been closed for 28% of the current fiscal year, but it’s also led to a 26% increase in the use of their digital library. The library remains closed to the public with only curbside pickup of checked out items available during regular hours.