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This year, it looks like we’re all home for the holidays due to the continued spread of COVID-19. For families who are staying safe indoors this season, Jessamine County Public Library has some suggestions to keep things merry and bright.

The library has temporarily moved its services to curbside and virtual only to keep the community safe. While library-goers can no longer enter the building, JCPL continues to offer unique programs, materials and services to help you stay cozy at home this holiday season.

Curbside pickup and library in a box

Whether you’re looking for a picture book to read aloud as a family or you want to curl up by the fireplace with the latest bestseller, JCPL’s Curbside Pickup service has you covered. Simply log-in to your JCPL account or give us a call to place your desired items on hold. When they are ready, we will give you a call and schedule a time for you to pick them up. When you arrive at the library, park in one of the Curbside Pickup spots, text the number on the sign to let us know you have arrived and we will bring your materials out to the car for you. If the library is more of a drive for you, you can also request a special Library in a Box card which will allow you to pick up your items from a box at either Walmart in Nicholasville, Kroger at Brannon Crossing, or WesBanco in Wilmore.

Family reading adventure

Join us for a Family Reading Adventure! This reading challenge encourages families to read together for at least 15 minutes per day and earn rewards along the way. When you pledge to participate in the Family Reading Adventure, you can then track your progress via an app called Beanstack to earn rewards.  For every 30 days your family reads for at least 15 minutes, you earn a badge in Beanstack. Badges earn you a special prize for each participating member of your family and a reward book for every participant 18-years-old or younger. If your family completes three 30-day badges, you will earn a special bonus reward and will be well on your way to being a family of lifelong learners. Reward accrual ends May 2021. Give the library a call to ask how you can sign up.

Story phone

Ring ring! Stories are calling! Each week, JCPL adds new stories and poems to the Story Phone. Simply dial the number, select your story and listen to a fun read-aloud for children of various age levels. Call  859-885-7234 to get started.

Virtual programs

JCPL staff has been hard at work to create content that will bring joy to you and your family during this difficult year. On JCPL’s online event calendar, you can find lots of virtual events and programs for various ages each week. The library hosts storytimes, online ukulele lessons, STEM education videos to support virtual learning, crafts for kids, teens and adults, one-on-one help sessions and more. Many of these programs are available on-demand 24/7 on the JCPL Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Those of us at the library hope your holiday season at home will be full of merriment and cheer. If you have any questions about JCPL’s curbside or virtual services, get in touch. We are honored to serve Jessamine County.

Sarah Choate is the Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator for Jessamine County Public Library. You can reach her at schoate@jesspublib.org or via phone at 885-3523, ext. 266.