Feel the Magic of a Good Book from the Southlake Library

We hope you miss us, because we miss you too! Over the last few weeks, the Southlake Public Library made adjustments to accommodate their happy readers while observing social distancing.

“We were heartbroken when our doors had to close, but as soon as the bolt turned, we began conversations about what we could do,” Public Library Deputy Director Cynthia Pfledderer said.

In recent weeks, the Southlake Public Library team brought customers book reviews, comforting recipes, science experiments, online Story Time and now curbside service.

“All programs were canceled and Story Time was our primary concern. Lots of little ones were displaced from their regular routine and we wanted to put some normalcy back into that.”

The Library team got creative and shortened their Story Time sessions for online viewing and then expanded online programming to help entertain everyone while they were staying at home. They sent out all of their weekly videos on social media and as part of their email newsletter.

“Our ideas come from our history of working with the interests of our customers. We always start by thinking of the demands on our Southlake families. How can we help them? How can we encourage and uplift them? How can we make them laugh? Ideas also pop up from things our team members discover – like the Getty Museum challenge,” said Pfledderer, “What fun that was!”

Getty Museum challenge

Pfledderer said the Library team has learned over the years that joy comes from focusing on and building up others.

“We have the opportunity to do that every day and our customers are so generous with kind words in return. We are often choked up over sweet words or a hand drawn picture from a child to their librarian,” Pfledderer said. “Don’t tell anyone – but we have the best jobs in the world.”

During this time of stress and uncertainty, the Library wants to be a place of comfort, resiliency and growth, where customers can find a friendly face.

The Library’s new curbside delivery now offers readers the chance to once again experience the magic of an actual paper book, like Southlake author Connie Cooley’s new book, Goodnight, Southlake, which will be available soon.

“We have tried to make your Library a welcoming space filled with fun, education and connection,” Pfledderer said. “We are determined to offer you as much of your Library as we can during this period of distance.”

Whether it’s picking up a book through curbside service, reading an online magazine or watching online Story Time, the Library has something for everyone!

For more information, please contact the Southlake Public Library at 817-748-8243, follow us on Facebook or visit www.SouthlakePublicLibrary.com