Open Enrollment, Picture Day, Online Services, and Many Thanks

 Open Enrollment

 From City Hall:

All,

Unfortunately, we were unable to hold the Employee Benefits Fair this year.   However, there is bright news as Open Enrollment is set for April 13 – May 8, 2020 and there are no rate increases this year to health insurance!   Due to the coronavirus,  HR is asking that you please follow the instructions in the attached Open Enrollment notice.  A TLC fillable insurance form is attached should you need it as well as a LD & B flexible spending enrollment form.

Also, a contact list is provided should you want to reach out to one of the representatives and speak to them about any questions you may have.   Any enrollment forms received by HR or Payroll outside Open Enrollment period of April 13 – May 8  will not be processed.     No exceptions.

Thank you for all you do and please wash your hands frequently and be even more conscious of 6-feet social distancing.

Stay safe and healthy,

Trish Henderson

(This info is also on the staff bulletin board.)

Book Photos

As mentioned in a previous blog, we are hoping to have some folks who are willing to dress up to illustrate books for Facebook posts.  One should go up today on the BPL website if you want to take a look.  I am thinking about doing one for Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. The idea is to give clues to the book, then on the next day we post the answer.  At this time I am planning to come in tomorrow (Friday) and take photos as we will have fewer people in the building.  Just send me an email if you want to participate.  Laura has picked out a book already!

Also, I have an idea for a Romeo and Juliet scene on the stairs, if anyone will volunteer to play a role.

This is just something to let our patrons know we are still here and to try to give everyone-- staff included-- a smile.  These are frightening and uncertain times, and we all need all the help we can get.

Social Media

T.J. says that the videos and photos are creating some interest, drawing people to our social media where he can also plug our online services such as the Bristol Herald Courier, Tumblebooks, and the online activities the JCC has lined up.  Thanks to those with FB accounts who have shared our posts to help get the word out.

Special thanks to Rita for her expert filming and editing!  The videos have been charming and I think very professional looking.  Rita and Tonia teamed up to do a three minute video about the library at the request Anne Dunham from Bristol, Tennessee City to show what departments are doing during this pandemic.  Ms. Dunham wrote that ours was the best video so far.  Take a bow, ladies! The video will be added to our site and other social media so everyone will be able to see it.

Also thanks to T.J. who has kept our social media up and running.  One look at our Facebook page will show  how hard he has been working, and that is in addition to keeping programs going.  Check out and share the wonderful program offerings available online!  There will be some Zoom events as well that could be very interesting and possibly count toward Continuing Education.

And if you haven't checked out our FB page in awhile,  take a look:

https://www.facebook.com/bristolpubliclibrary/

Not to mention all the great posts by the Children's and YA Departments about things to do while staying home, including celebrities reading children's books and a teen photography contest.  Avoca even had Mrs. Nancy reading a book and Joan's grandson reading poetry!  Check them out!

https://www.facebook.com/avocabranchlibrary/

https://www.facebook.com/bplteenreaders/

https://www.facebook.com/bplchildrenslibrary/

Thanks

I hope everyone knows how proud Tonia is of you all; she has said it over and again what a great crew we have here. And we do.  I know I consider myself fortunate to work with this staff.