A MESSAGE FROM PLDA PRESIDENT KELLY HARRIS
March 17, 2020
During uncertain times Libraries are often the place people turn for information, solace, and support. The COVID19 outbreak has put us all in uncharted waters as we navigate how to best serve our communities. Our first priority as Library Directors is and has always been the health and safety of our users and our staff.
As of today all Suffolk County Libraries are closed, united in an effort to reduce community spread and “flatten the curve.” As new local, state, and federal guidance is shared we, as Library administrators along with our Boards of Trustees, are doing everything we can to continue Library service digitally in creative ways using our websites and social media. PLDA supports the decisions made by its members to best serve their Library community in these times of uncertainty.
I would like to thank Suffolk Cooperative Library System Director Kevin Verbesey and the amazing and dedicated staff at the Library System. During this time, they have provided information, resources, and technical support both quickly and efficiently. Words cannot express the gratitude our membership has for Kevin’s leadership in this time of crisis and his staff’s willingness to address our questions and concerns.
I am overwhelmed by the care, compassion, and swiftness of action taken by the Directors in Suffolk County’s fifty-six Libraries. Libraries have always operated under the model of sharing information and materials; on an administrative level the sharing of ideas, policies, and plans of action has been nothing short of brilliant. This teamwork will not only get us all through this difficult time but make us all better leaders, better librarians and help us to better serve our communities today and in the future.
Thank you to my colleagues for their wisdom, careful thinking and support. On a personal note, I take great comfort in the conference calls, personal calls, emails, and texts being shared among the Directors across the county. Reaching out to each other as not just colleagues but also as friends adds a great deal of levity to this time of uncertainty and crisis.
I ask our members to continue to keep our lines our communication open and to continue to share ideas. We are stronger together. If there is anything PLDA can do for our membership, please reach out.
Stay Healthy,
Kelly A. Harris
PLDA President
kharris@hamptonlibrary.org
March 17, 2020
During uncertain times Libraries are often the place people turn for information, solace, and support. The COVID19 outbreak has put us all in uncharted waters as we navigate how to best serve our communities. Our first priority as Library Directors is and has always been the health and safety of our users and our staff.
As of today all Suffolk County Libraries are closed, united in an effort to reduce community spread and “flatten the curve.” As new local, state, and federal guidance is shared we, as Library administrators along with our Boards of Trustees, are doing everything we can to continue Library service digitally in creative ways using our websites and social media. PLDA supports the decisions made by its members to best serve their Library community in these times of uncertainty.
I would like to thank Suffolk Cooperative Library System Director Kevin Verbesey and the amazing and dedicated staff at the Library System. During this time, they have provided information, resources, and technical support both quickly and efficiently. Words cannot express the gratitude our membership has for Kevin’s leadership in this time of crisis and his staff’s willingness to address our questions and concerns.
I am overwhelmed by the care, compassion, and swiftness of action taken by the Directors in Suffolk County’s fifty-six Libraries. Libraries have always operated under the model of sharing information and materials; on an administrative level the sharing of ideas, policies, and plans of action has been nothing short of brilliant. This teamwork will not only get us all through this difficult time but make us all better leaders, better librarians and help us to better serve our communities today and in the future.
Thank you to my colleagues for their wisdom, careful thinking and support. On a personal note, I take great comfort in the conference calls, personal calls, emails, and texts being shared among the Directors across the county. Reaching out to each other as not just colleagues but also as friends adds a great deal of levity to this time of uncertainty and crisis.
I ask our members to continue to keep our lines our communication open and to continue to share ideas. We are stronger together. If there is anything PLDA can do for our membership, please reach out.
Stay Healthy,
Kelly A. Harris
PLDA President
kharris@hamptonlibrary.org