KIMBERLY, Wis (NBC 26) -- Since the start of the pandemic, many local libraries were forced to close their doors.
But now public library branches like Kimberly Library are thinking of new ways to make sure their learning journey never stops.
"We're trying to find ways to bring the library out to people because people can't come in right now." Ann Hardginski, Youth Services Librarian at Kimberly Public Library, knows while schools remain closed a child's access to new books can be limited.
"We're here to help we want to get books into the hands of as many kids as we can," says Hardginski.
To spread the love of learning, local libraries are taking the stacks to the sidewalk.
"Even though we are not currently open for browsing we are doing things like today's pop-up libraries where we bring out our new materials and some staff picks so kids can get a chance to browse," Ann adds.
Pop-up libraries and curbside pickup are just a couple ways families can make sure students don't lose the reading skills they worked so hard for last school year.
"This is like one of the highlights coming to the pop-up library every week." Keisha Gloudemans home schools her two sons and says the library has always been valuable to her kid's education.
"We utilize that as a resource and we'll still utilize it during homeschooling a lot of the books when he's researching things. We have to look up things and we need the library for that," she says.
While many students begin virtual school this year, it may be time to dust off your library card, because checking out your favorite book is long overdue.
"It's important to kids to keep on reading keep on learning keep on growing, keep curious minds and build our community that way too," adds Ann Hardginski.
You can help with childhood literacy right here in our community by donating to NBC 26's"If You Give A Child A Book..." annual campaign. Last year we donated nearly 700 new books to Lincoln Elementary School in Green Bay.
This year's recipient will be Jefferson Elementary School in Appleton.
All the money raised from the "If You Give A Child A Book...." campaign goes towards buying new books for Jefferson Elementary.
If you donate now the Scripps-Howard Foundation will match all donations up to $5,000.
Click here to donate.
For more information on pop-up libraries click here.
