Area girl offers lesson in gratitude through library project
By Heather Ruenz
The disruption by the coronavirus pandemic can be difficult to measure but amidst the chaos and the new – hopefully temporary – way of life has also led to some creative thinking.
Libraries, which have grown into much more than a place to check out reading and research materials, are among the many places thrown for a loop when COVID-19 forced long-term closures followed by limited and restricted openings.
Lisa Selje, director at Matheson Memorial Library in Elkhorn, said COVID-19 caused many changes to the workflow and mission at the library, which was closed to the public for nearly three months. In response, many staff had to make adjustments to be able to work from home during that time.
“We immediately knew we wanted to stay engaged with our library customers. We had to switch all in-person programs to online options, including our Summer Reading Program. We had to boost our social media output to engage through Facebook, Instagram and other options,” Selje said.
The library, like many throughout the country, created a curbside pickup program to allow people to check out material without coming inside. Even after the library reopened, there was an option on the website to families for a weekly email newsletter and personalized reader’s advisory.
Selje said she and her staff soon realized having an online presence only went so far.
“Although online programs via Zoom were popular at first, we discovered that many of our patrons were not comfortable with the technology or just not interested in participating in an online program,” she said.
Even those that did participate this spring, summer and fall grew tired of screen time and doing things online, according to Selje.
“We did notice there was an interest in hands-on projects and crafts if we provided the ideas and materials,” she said. “The managers at the library have encouraged staff to think outside the box in how to engage our patrons.”
Limited resources
Terri Dellamaria, library associate at Matheson, said she and her coworkers have had fun providing information and activities for families during COVID-19.
“Of course, we miss the in person, and consistent, contact of our patrons and all of the kids, but the reception for the projects we have provided has been overwhelmingly positive and really motivates all of us to want to do more,” she said.
Dellamaria proved she was motivated when presented a challenge in October.
“My manager, Chad Robinson, said, ‘Hey, here is your assignment – we have very little money left in our budget, but it would be great if you could come up with a ‘take home’ or ‘grab and go’ project that is family oriented for November,’” she said.
Sticking to the basic restrictions of not having much money in the budget and using supplies available at the library, Dellamaria dug in.
“I kept doing research and with the idea of not having any money to work with, I came up with using the construction paper we had on hand and the twine and yarn,” she said.
Her idea was a Gratitude Garland Kit, which contains cutout paper leaves in a variety of fall colors, a string of twine or yarn, “a fancy marking pen to add a little novelty to it,” and instructions.
“Beginning Nov. 1, add a leaf to your garland by writing down something you are thankful for. Take a moment to reflect and discuss it with your family. Hang your garland and invite others to add a leaf. Continue next year, too. Enjoy!” the instructions read.
Dellamaria said she enjoyed putting the kits together but the project took on an even deeper meaning when she heard about one local family’s experience.
Much to be thankful for
Dellamaria said a member of the Person family, of Elkhorn, did the project a bit faster than instructed.
“Their fifth grader was so excited about the project she opened it and wrote something on all of the leaves at once! I had to provide more leaves so that other members of the family could participate,” Dellamaria said.
Rachel Person, who works as a personal trainer at Four Lakes Athletic Club, said her mom, Vicki Lange, picked up the kit for the family. Rachel is married to Roger, a police officer in Elkhorn, and they have two daughters, Hannah, 15, and Joslyn, 10.
“My mom thought it would be fun for us. We kind of planned to do as a family but Joslyn opened it and immediately began writing down things,” Rachel said. “Her patience with projects is right in line with that, though, as she likes to get things done.”
While Rachel wasn’t surprised her youngest daughter wrote on all of the leaves right away, she was pleasantly surprised at some of the things Joslyn was grateful for.
“Breathing fresh air and the moon and the stars are probably my favorites because kids her age don’t always think of those things,” Rachel said. “But she also had her family, friends, police, safety and security, and she included all of her teachers.”
Rachel said the garland is hung up in their home and will remain up for Christmas.
In addition to the Summer Reading Program, she said her family has participated in some of the other projects offered by the library.
“They really have done well in coming up with ideas,” Rachel said.
Joslyn said when she began writing things down, the ideas just kept coming.
“I did my mom, my dad, Hannah, friends and my bunny, Mr. Oreo. I thought of the moon and the stars because we were learning at school about them and it was dark out. I also did medicine, my teachers and my principal,” Joslyn said.
Joslyn, who attends Tibbets Elementary School, said her favorite class is reading and she likes to read graphic novels, chapter books and Harry Potter.
When she’s not at school, she likes to draw, read, paint and play on the iPad, with her favorite games being Minecraft and Road Blocks.
Community connections
Jennifer Wharton, the youth services librarian at Matheson, said the library has also strengthened its partnerships with some local groups during the pandemic.
“The youth department provides weekly take-home storytime crafts in collaboration with Pattie Woods of Elkhorn Area School District Parent Connections and take home craft kits,” she said.
Wharton said people find out what’s available the coming week by signing up for a weekly virtual news email, which is available on the kid’s page of the library’s website.
“We have also strengthened and continued our long-standing collaboration with Options Virtual Charter School – and the school district as a whole – with virtual visits, reading recommendations, and providing library materials,” she said.
For more information about Matheson Memorial Library, 101 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn, call 262-723-2678 or visit elkhorn.lib.wi.us.
