While Anythink’s public library buildings are temporarily closed, Anythink staff is connecting with community members through digital resources, virtual storytimes, tutorials, and much more. Anythink Everywhere is an opportunity for library customers to access important educational and entertainment resources while interacting remotely with library staff.

Building community by connecting people, organizations and agencies with ideas and each other is one of Anythink’s strategic initiatives. With stay-at-home orders in place throughout the state, and as the state shifts to the safer-at-home phase, the library is committed to continuing this work in innovative ways.

On Tuesdays at 10:30 am, caregivers and young learners can tune into a weekly live storytime on Anythink’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Hosted at home by Anythink’s youth services guides, these interactive videos encourage kids to move, sing and read along with storytellers. On Saturdays, families with young children can also watch additional preschool-aged activity videos posted to Anythink’s social media accounts. Additional video content for teens, adults and all ages are posted weekly.

Customers are also invited to bring their questions and hear a friendly voice by calling the Anythink Connect Line. On Wednesdays-Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm, community members can dial 720-322-9199 to speak with an Anythink staff member about books, music, movies, library resources and more. The Anythink Connect Line is a great opportunity for those looking for e-book or online resource recommendations.

To help combat social isolation among Adams County’s most vulnerable populations, Anythink staff are also making outbound calls to elders to check in, say hello, and let them know that their local library misses them. This is also an opportunity to connect individuals with resources should they need them.

“At Anythink, our work has always put people at the center, and that hasn’t changed. Even though our libraries are temporarily closed, our staff is creating opportunities to keep our community informed, entertained and inspired,” says Anythink Director Pam Sandlian Smith. “The team’s creativity and dedication has resulted in new ways of providing meaningful connection during a time when it is needed most. We will continue to put our community first as we adapt programs like mySummer. Though the format may change, we'll continue to infuse the Anythink spirit of wonder and curiosity in all that we do.” 

Additional services will be added in the coming weeks as the library continues to respond to the needs of the community.

Anythink’s robust digital catalog includes ebooks, audiobooks, and television, music and film streaming. In addition, library customers have access to online resources like Tutor.com, The Great Courses, Creativebug and other high-quality platforms for learning and entertainment.

As a trusted source for information in the community, Anythink continues to share important community resources for those impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), updated frequently with the latest response and recovery information related to health, employment and more. For updates about Anythink’s response to COVID-19, visit anythinklibraries.org/community-safety-notice.