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.

The East Lyme Public Library is offering a variety of virtual programs and services at this time. Residents of East Lyme and Niantic can register for a temporary library card on our website, eastlymepubliclibrary.org.

A library card gives patrons access to our online databases including Hoopla, OverDrive, Chilton, Mango Languages, Universal Class and more.

OverDrive has eBooks and audiobooks. Hoopla has eBooks, audiobooks, movies, television shows and music. Mango has over 70 different languages that you can learn. Universal Class is home to over 500 online courses in a wide variety of subjects. All of these resources and more are free with your East Lyme Public Library card. If you require assistance with a database or have a question you can visit our website to ask a question and a member of our reference staff will answer.

We are hosting virtual book discussions and a virtual craft group every Friday. Information on these events can be found on our website and Facebook page.

Miss Rebecca is holding storytimes on Facebook every weekday with a special bedtime story on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.

We miss our patrons, but you can connect with us on Facebook for the latest library news, events, virtual museum visits, crafts and more.

We are currently living through a historic moment and are in the unique position to capture this moment in history while it is happening. We need the community’s help to capture the local history of the Coronavirus pandemic. We are looking for your images, stories and/or videos of this time.

Do you have photos of the hearts around town or how Main Street looks during this time or what the grocery stores are like? Do you have a story about how this pandemic has affected you?

Are you an essential worker, a parent, a business owner, or anyone who wants to share their experience? We want to see and hear what you have to say.

If you have anything to share visit our website and click on “Documenting the Pandemic in East Lyme” to fill out a form to allow us to use your materials for our archive. The email address to send materials to is in that section of our website as well. We look forward to seeing what you share with us. Please stay safe and healthy.

Ashley Doak is a staff member at the East Lyme Public Library.