Books have always been the primary concern of a library, but over time other trends have taken hold. In recent decades, floor space has transitioned from shelves to computer terminals for internet access or activity spaces for all ages. Children’s Librarian Linda Aulik, who works in the Kewaunee branch, says that interlibrary lending has been curtailed during the COVID-19 shutdown.

“Make and take” events are still months away, maybe years. So are board game parties and children’s storytime. Capacity limits will be set to ten patrons upon reopening, which reduces the number of computers needed. With libraries only able to lend out books from their own catalogs, the incentive, at least in the short term, is to have as many books on hand as possible to fulfill customer needs.