Melissa Bernasek MLIS ’06 serves Elgin library community via Facebook Live

During a Facebook Live broadcast from her home Melissa Bernasek MLIS ’06, director of information and digital services, explains how to access certain digital materials the library has available online. Photo courtesy of Brian Hill, Daily Herald Staff Photographer

March 19, 2020



Melissa Bernasek MLIS ’06, the director of information and digital services for the Gail Borden Public Library, has been using Facebook Live to reach the library community in Elgin during the COVID-19 outbreak. The outbreak forced the main library and its branches to close until at least March 30.



Each morning, the library uses its Facebook page to list a schedule of programs for children and adults. Approximately 300 to 400 people watched March 17, but several thousand more have viewed previous videos.



"We did not expect this. It's important that we are still able to connect during this time," Bernasek said. "Sometimes, technology is the way to do that. We can still have conversations. It's important that we are able to present factual information to our library community at this time."



Read more: Programs at Gail Borden library? They're still on for kids and adults -- via Facebook Live