Library staff recognized that families were facing challenges of isolation, barriers to accessing resources and an influx of new and unfamiliar learning tools. Celebrations were suddenly canceled or conducted online. The physical locations families used to visit for help were suddenly only available virtually. Families struggled to find resources to help, while also being inundated with a barrage of new free resources claiming to meet every digital and virtual need.

To address feelings of isolation, PLS upgraded Wi-Fi on the Maker Mobile, which was used to livestream a high school graduation. When SLC became virtual, staff kept a personal touch by calling readers as they met key reading milestones. PLS expanded and created seamless access to digital materials by allowing students to log in with school credentials. As parents were swamped with offers of free services to help with education, PLS created curated resource guides, helping families easily navigate resources.

SLC completion increased by 10% in 2020 thanks to personal calls from library staff. Some parents shared they had not spoken to an adult in weeks. Ten school districts agreed to give students access to PLS digital collections, strengthening partnerships that will continue post-pandemic. Resource guides providing trusted, level-appropriate educational resources are now accessible on a featured page of the PLS website. Community members raved about these guides and shared widely with students, parents and teachers.