Library usage seeing an uptick
SALISBURY, Md. – Library trends are growing post-pandemic, with updates and accessibility changing more people are picking up a book to read.
“It’s a freedom that comes with the power to read,” said DeMyra Harvey-Morris, the Coordinator of Project READ.
Libraries serve as hubs for community and education.
“We also have a lot of activities, we’re really a part of bringing people together in the community certainly through our programs but also just the space people come spend time see your neighbors and be around other people that are part of this community and that want to interact and engage in that way,” said Seth Hershberger, Executive Director of Wicomico Public Libraries.
Book worms are coming to the library more and more to access reading materials, no matter if its digital copies or hardback. “Our collection of e-books digital e-books that’s continuing to grow it took off after the pandemic we’re releasing a lot of people like to use the library in that way,” said Hershberger.
Project READ is connecting both younger folks and seniors to books while they are all learning more about life circumstances. “COVID-19 high school freshmen and seniors where are they some of them weren’t able to get back into school so they’re coming to get their GED prep. Those that are 55 and older who either want to get their GED or get better at reading skills or some technology skills,” said program coordinator DeMyra Harvey-Morris.
Harvey-Morris says reading opens a lot more doors to be successful at life skills. “The freedom of opening a banking account the freedom of not having people take a vantage of you trying to pay bills trying to get a loan trying to get a credit card trying to buy a car. There’s power in reading deck with reading and that’s what we strive to do here to make sure everybody can do everyday things that somebody else might take for granted,” she said.
Project READ is currently open if you’re looking to tighten up your reading skills. The program is also looking for tutors to volunteer. To participate you need to be able to read and write English proficiently.
