During these stressful times, be sure to find ways to unwind. Now that we are getting into spring, you can get some fresh air and keep social distancing in mind if you do. Turn off the television and the news and take a walk around the block. Also during these stressful times, we in the library world are looking for ways to offer help to you. We are not medical professionals by any means, but we can offer additional things to think about besides the Coronavirus.

Have you filled out the Census yet? You can fill out the Census online and you don't have to speak with anyone if you are keeping your distance from others. You can access it online from the comfort of your own home at my2020census.gov. And if you don't have access to the internet, don't forget that libraries offer wifi and you should be able to fill it out from your car, which will hopefully provide the recommended six-foot barrier. You can also fill it out by phone by calling (844) 330-2020. Be sure to count children and anyone who was living with you on April 1. Sullivan Counts!

Were you hoping to learn a new language? Now is the perfect time! If you have a library card did you know you have access to Rosetta Stone? Just click on the link on your local library's website and sign up with an email address and password. You will be learning in no time.

If you have a smartphone to fill out the Census using our wifi, did you also know that you can borrow e-books? Instructions can be found at guides.rcls.org/newgeneration for each device including iPhone, Kindle and more. All e-books are automatically returned after two weeks. Further if you were hoping to read e-books but don't have a library card, there is a way around that. If you visit rcls.overdrive.org you can sign up for an instant digital library card! This will let you borrow e-books immediately.

Also, check what your local library is doing. Certain libraries are offering virtual story times over social media accounts. Livingston Manor Free Library has boxes of books outside if anyone would like to take them. Even some libraries out of system, including New York Public Libray are offering digital services. As long as you are a resident of New York, you should be able to get an online card from New York Public.

This has been a strange month for all of us and it seems there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Certain changes must be made and if one is using the library digitally, so it is. However, we are still here as a community resource and anchor for all of you.

We wish you all good health during this period.