“I will not talk. I want my lawyer. Am I free to go?” These are “magic words,” according to Belleville attorney Alex Enyart. On Feb. 23, Lincoln Library, Illinois Access to Justice and Illinois Legal Aid Online teamed up to talk virtually about individual rights when coming into contact with law enforcement. About a year ago, Lincoln Library, Springfield’s public library, struggled to move services online. Now it hosts weekly webinars and wants to increase virtual participation. The library is also trying to get more books out into the community.
When Lincoln Library temporarily closed due to the shutdown that began last March, it designed a more user-friendly website, said Rochelle Hartman, library director. This has helped promote event visibility and attract new community members. “We’ve had an increase in program participation,” since moving events online, said Hartman. “A lot of people who wouldn’t want to leave the house in the winter” logged in to participate from home. The library offers weekly webinars on how to apply for jobs and navigate word programs. “The Stitch-uation” is also bi-weekly and encourages crafters to virtually gather while working on projects.
Last week, the library had Enyart share ways to access court resources and exercise rights when encountering police. “So let’s talk some magic words,” said Enyart during the event. “Number one is, ‘Am I free to go?'” If the officer says no or doesn’t offer a clear confirmation, “assume you’re in custody,” he said. Enyart gave virtual attendees a tour of Illinois Legal Aid Online, a free website with information on court processes and state laws.
Aside from transitioning online, the library is trying to increase the reach of its services and programs. Hartman said Lincoln Library needs additional funding, although it did not ask the city council for more money this fiscal year because of the pandemic.
Springfield and Peoria libraries serve roughly the same number of people, but Lincoln Library spends $2.5 million less on services and community programming, according to Hartman. This is closer to the budget spent by the Decatur Public Library, which serves approximately 40,000 fewer people. “I think we can do better,” but it will take investments, Hartman said.
The library reopened Jan. 27, and now offers limited in-person capacity for community members to check out books and use computers. Lincoln Library operates Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If the rate of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases stays relatively low, Lincoln Library plans to host indoor events with limited capacity. Staff are also exploring the option of outdoor programming.
Other plans could include installing book lockers around town, which would make it easier for people to check out and return books. Leaders at the library are also in the early stages of considering what would be needed to staff and maintain a small-scale bookmobile. Hartman said the vehicle would be an outreach tool “so we can get out in the community and do some smaller checkout events.” Lincoln Library will also continue to offer curbside services for community members. Information on upcoming events can be found at facebook.com/LincolnLibrary.
Contact Madison Angell at mangell@illinoistimes.com.
This article appears in Springfields man on Capitol Hill.
