A pandemic can't stop the Columbia Public Library or Lisa Greybill, its director.

"We are trying to do the best we can under the circumstances," she said, noting the library is open its regular hours, 10 a..m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. "We would normally have many different things going on every month, but all of that has been put on hold. We're managing the best we can, and we are trying to come up with new activities."

While the library is open for "express visits" of 15 minutes or so for patrons to check out a book or DVD, most of its programming has shifted to a virtual format.

"I'm doing read-alouds through Google Slides," Greybill noted. "Anyone who would like a read-aloud with me just needs to have a Gmail account and needs to email me, and I'll give them access."

The library is offering virtual consultations with organizer Kala Denlinger of Simply D-Cluttered as well as a variety of cooking and wellness classes presented by Giant.

Additionally, the library is still providing the career services of Tammy Garza from PA CareerLink, and registrations are currently being taken for GED classes, which will resume in person once restrictions have been lifted.

Although patrons are not permitted to spend significant time in the library, Greybill noted that the library does offer free Wi-Fi, which is accessible from the outdoor terrace or nearby spaces.

"People can go to Locust Park or sit on our terrace if the weather is nice, or they can sit in their cars outside the library and use the Wi-Fi," she said.

Take-and-make crafts are available on a monthly basis, she added, with this month featuring a cardinal craft. "Children can come in and pick up a paper bag of everything they need to make a simple craft," Greybill explained. "These are crafts that are good for ages 2 to 11."

Beginning Monday, Feb. 1, and continuing through March, the library will host a book bingo with early learning activities for children up to age 4 and reading activities for those ages 5 to 12. "Children can come into the library to get a bingo card and then once they complete five activities or read five books and get bingo, they can turn the card in for a prize," she noted. "We will also have a drawing for a bigger prize in each age group at the end of March."

Greybill said the past year has been filled with challenges for the library, including having to cancel the Summer Reading Program that typically serves upwards of 1,800 people.

"My biggest goal for the year is to be able to hold the Summer Reading Program this year," she stated. "There's no guarantee that will happen, but I'm praying that it will. We miss everyone, and we are looking forward to resuming all of our in-person programs as soon as we can."

For more information on any of the library's programs, readers may visit https://columbiapubliclibrary.org.