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Resident creates virtual way for community to share their love of Longmont Library, staff

Catherine Fink-Johnson created what’s called a Kudoboard, an online place for people to show their support. Think of it as an online thank you card.
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The curbside pickup area at the Longmont Public Library in July. (Photo by Macie May)

Making changes and modifications to services and businesses has been the theme of 2020 as many organizations need to create new ways to work for customers. The same is true for the Longmont Public Library, which has stayed busy throughout the year. 

Now some in the community are looking to say thanks and show their appreciation for staff who continue to serve the community. That’s why Catherine Fink-Johnson created what’s called a Kudoboard, an online place for people to show their support. Think of it as an online thank you card.

“The library staff really rise to the occasion, even though they're not necessarily on the front lines in terms of health and wellness,” said Fink-Johnson, a teacher who started the Kudoboard and also serves as a member of the Longmont Library Board. “They're certainly on the frontlines in terms of mental health and in people preserving their sense of normalcy and connection.”

The Kudoboard set up for the Longmont library now has dozens of posts with people sharing personal stories and pictures about how the library has helped them get through the year.

Comments include:

“My family is so thankful for all you have done to keep us in good books during these past 9 months of quarantine, home learning, and summer break.”
 

“I love the curb pickup, it is so convenient, but I do miss seeing all your smiling faces.  I want to say how much I've loved all the special events you've had.”

“The staff is so helpful, friendly and courteous. They've made curbside pickup during the pandemic so easy, and even on the phone one can just hear the smile in their voices.”

The pandemic is keeping the library busy. In the first week of December, it served 2,241 patrons with curbside pickup. That’s according to library staff who said on Nov. 30 alone they assisted more than 500 people. 

Fink-Johnson said being on the board also helped her learn how much work goes on behind the scenes to keep the library operational during COVID-19. That includes extra work and assignments for staff, who also spent time cleaning and isolating books to make them available for the next customers. Plus, the library continues to provide internet and computer services for those who need access for school or applying for jobless benefits by lending out mobile hotspots and other items.

“The library is an important social service provider, too, and so they’re trying their very best to maintain those services for the community is above and beyond books,” she said. “I think that the library needs to be recognized for all of that support for people who don't have those things in their own homes.”

Fink-Johnson said she appreciates how much support the Kudoboard has gotten so far and as the holiday season continues, she hopes more community members will voice their appreciation for the hard work being done at the library. 

“Hopefully the library staff is seeing how valuable they are,” she said. “Sometimes, especially librarians, I think are maybe a little more introverted group of people, and probably not seeking the limelight, so I hope that they feel honored and just see the impact that they have in our community. Not just during the pandemic, but all the time.“

To leave a comment for library’s staff on the Kudoboard, click here.

For more information on library services being offered while the building remains closed to the public, click here or call 303-651-8470.