Summer 2021 Program Survey

Posted by Dana on 22 February 21

The last year has been full of so much uncertainty and so many changes. We want to continue to effectively serve our community during these times, but we need your feedback to make it possible. What services and programs do you need from your library this summer? Please complete this brief survey so we can plan events and programs for the summer season. Your answers are anonymous. Click here to access the survey. 

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Posted by Dana on 17 February 21

Help your child get ready to read by joining the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge! 

Reading with your little one not only builds closeness but also supports the development of early literacy skills.  Research demonstrates that children who are read to early in life have an advantage when learning to read themselves later on.  The idea of 1000 Books is very simple: Read with your little one and try to reach the goal of 1000 books before they start kindergarten.

Essex Public Library has all the tools you need to keep track and reach this goal.

Participate entirely online or use our paper tracking sheets. To track your books online, visit our Beanstack page at eplva.beanstack.org. You can download the Beanstack Tracker app for a mobile device from App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). If you prefer to keep track on paper, ask a library staff member for a paper tracking sheet or print your log and tracking sheets at home.

As you reach different milestones, you’ll earn exciting rewards:

100 books: a free book

250 books:  a magnet

500 books:  a Dunkin’ Donut voucher and temporary tattoo

750 books:  a free book

1000 books:  Entry into the Hall of Fame and Riley Raccoon’s “Swag Bag”:  a Riley drawstring backpack, a completion certificate, a temporary tattoo, a coupon for a special treat and your child’s photo published in the Rappahannock Times!

About 1000 Books Before Kindergarten

1000 books sounds like a lot.  How is it even possible to read that many before kindergarten?

It’s a challenge, but not impossible.  If you read one book a day, you can finish in less than three years.  If you read three books a day, you can finish in less than a year.

Do I have to read 1,000 different books?

Repetition is very important for young children.  You are more than welcome to read the same book over and over and count it every time!

Do parents/caregivers have to do all the reading?

You can count books read by anyone.  When a child is read to by many different people, they learn that reading is important to everyone – so ask your family and friends to chip in!  Even books from the Library’s Storytimes count.

What happens after we’re done?

Keep up the good work!  Reading has become an important part of your family life.  And when your child begins kindergarten, be sure to tell their teachers they’ve read 1,000 books!

Kids’ Reads for Black History Month

Posted by brohne on 01 February 21

A few of the many titles that celebrate the lives and history of African Americans.  To find out more about each title or to place a hold, click on the book’s image.

New Hotspot Lending Program

Posted by Dana on 12 January 21

At Essex Public Library, checking out a Wi-Fi hotspot may soon become as routine as checking out a book. The library is now lending Wi-Fi hotspots to help address the needs of Essex’s residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hotspots allow users to connect a laptop, smartphone, or tablet to the internet. The portable devices will work almost anywhere.

Library Director Dana Smook says the program, made possible by funding from the C.A.R.E.S. Act Coronavirus Relief Fund, is designed to help get residents connected to the internet to perform essential tasks, even when they are staying home.

“Our new normal includes a lot of distance learning, remote working, and online tasks,” says Smook. “The pandemic has been especially hard on those who can’t access the internet from home. This hotspot lending program will help people get connected so they can perform essential tasks online.”

During the last year, Essex Public Library has launched new programs to serve the community while taking precautions against COVID-19.  The hotspot program addresses the needs of those who struggle with a reliable internet connection at home. Internet access is a major challenge for many Essex residents, especially for those in the most rural areas.

“It’s clearer than ever that we need a sustainable plan for digital inclusion across our county,” says Smook. “But until then, hotspots can help connect some homes to the internet.”

The Wi-Fi service provided by the devices relies on cell tower technology and coverage. You can use the hotspot to connect to the internet wherever there is Verizon cell phone service.

Library patrons may borrow a hotspot device for seven days. Anyone over age 18, with an Essex Public Library card in good standing, can borrow one. The devices can be borrowed through curbside service. To learn more about the hotspot lending program, visit the Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot Guidelines and FAQ or call the library at (804) 443-4945.