Editor's Note: The Times will be running a series of columns from library staff on what they're up to during the coronavirus pandemic.

"All the untidy activity continues / Awful but cheerful"

These famous closing lines of Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Bight” beautifully describe the paradox that is Stonington Free Library in this world that has come to a sudden and shuddering stop, affecting the lives of everyone in ways that could never have been imagined and which will take a long time to fully understand.

The paradox is that our little library set in the middle of Wadawanuck Square is a hive of “untidy activity”: the construction of the new ramp and elevator, so long planned for and wished for, is going ahead and is almost complete. This positive statement about a better tomorrow is being made right here in the heart of Stonington, something that many stop to see and admire while out on their daily walks around the Borough, their spirits lifted by the sight.

Even more, the library doors may be closed, but the library itself remains very much active and alive as we continue, every day, to reach out through social media and our website to offer help, information and entertainment as people struggle to get through difficult days.

This world crisis has shown how closely connected we are as a community. Individuals and organizations are each day finding new ways to help and support wherever there is a need.

The digital library that we have worked to build over the past years sends out weekly bulletins with links to all kinds of helpful sights. A recent email listed many of the local small businesses giving the services that they are offering at this time.

Social distancing and social isolation are being mitigated with virtual book groups and knitting groups meeting via Zoom, a new experience for many but we are here to help and everyone loves the opportunity to see familiar faces and to chat.

We just got our Seed Library up and running, as it is time to plant! Our latest edition of the e-Librarian at www.stoningtonfreelibrary.org/digital-library tells you how to get your seeds.

Our children’s librarian, Maris Frey, is reaching many children every day with her story times; they provide the comfort of a familiar face. And children’s assistant librarian Karla Umland is running a SFL Bingo game for families, while Stephanie Calhoun, our development coordinator (and social media whiz) is constantly looking for new fun ways for people to explore our virtual world.

And yes, let’s face it, we all need a hug and virtual ones just don’t cut it, but meanwhile the library staff is there to help: to help today while planning for the tomorrow which will surely come.

Libraries, by their quintessential nature, have always been our past, our present and our future.

Randall Jarrell, another distinguished American poet wrote, “I rarely feel happier than when I am in a library — very rarely feel more soothed and calm and secure. And there in the soft gloom of the stacks, a book among books, almost, I feel very much in my element — a fish come back to the sea; a baby come back to the womb.”

Lastly, I invite you to send me the names of books that you are reading now, and poems that you enjoy and we could put together a little anthology to share. My email address is director@stoningtonfreelibrary.org.

I look to the day when those handsome old doors and our grand new ADA accessible side entrance will be open to welcome you. Until then, be safe, be well.

Belinda de Kay is the director of the Stonington Free Library.