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Library receives CARES reimbursements, digitizes local titles and readies OverDrive for app rollout
Summary
Director Michael Blackwell reported $6,000 reimbursed from a CARES grant, remaining e-book grant funds, digitization of local titles for the Digital Public Library of America and imminent OverDrive audiobook availability through the library's Simply app.
The St. Mary's County Library reported progress on pandemic-era digital expansions and grant reimbursements at the trustees meeting.
Michael Blackwell, director of St. Mary's County Library, said the system has been reimbursed $6,000 from a state-administered CARES grant; the funds will cover the library's adoption of the Communico Engage app that allows patrons to check out items on their own mobile devices. He also said an e-book grant remains active and that approximately $22,000 of a $65,000 grant balance was still available; that grant also funds the library's expenses for contributions to the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA).
Blackwell told trustees the library digitized several locally significant titles — including a county history and two collections related to African American history in St. Mary's County — and will add them to the DPLA open bookshelf so patrons can access them through the library's Simply app. He also announced that OverDrive audiobook integration had been pending for three years and that the library anticipated adding OverDrive content to the Simply app imminently, which will expand the system's audiobook and e-audio offerings.
Staff reported continued high digital-program participation and rising digital circulation. The library has also used in-house 3D printers to produce personal protective equipment: staff printed ear savers and headbands for face shields and donated those items to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, the sheriff's office, St. Mary's County Public Schools, the Maryland Food Bank and other local providers. Sarah Stevenson, the IT staff member credited in the report, coordinated the 3D printer efforts.
Blackwell said the CARES and e-book grant reimbursements reduce the library's own expenses for pandemic-related technology purchases and digital licensing, and the board discussed using foundation funds to expand digital collections further.
