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The vaccine distribution schedules are different from state to state, but across the board, library workers should be vaccinated before the general public and at the same time as teachers & educators on the front lines. Here's why. 1/
Most libraries are attempting some type of in-person services. Public library workers are not interacting with a bubble of users like there'd be at schools or colleges; similar to public transit & grocery store workers, they're spending time around random assortment of people. 2/
Libraries are providing in-person services because their community members are desperate for them. In the network my library is part of, once circulation resumed over the summer, we saw a huge spike in borrowing. Last month alone, 1.4 million items were checked in & out. 3/
You might roll your eyes at the importance of "leisure reading" (if so go away) but libraries are also providing access to computers & internet since >>there's nowhere else in society doing that<<. This is critical bc at least a quarter of the population doesn't have broadband 4/
but they need access to receive social safety net assistance, apply for jobs, stay in touch with loved ones, etc. Many folks also need help with computer use and library workers are struggling to find ways to do that safely. They're forced to choose b/t helping & staying safe. 5/
Library workers, especially those in front-line non-administrative jobs, can be vulnerable & unheard in their concerns about safety, as we have too often seen in the past year. Directors are not always supportive or sympathetic. Workers need advocacy & protection from outside. 6/
Library workers care deeply about keeping patrons safe, too. Vaccination is the best way to protect them AND #ProtectLibraryWorkers. 7/7
If you're looking to do advocacy/push your state orgs, you can adapt the language in this petition for Massachusetts: https://www.change.org/p/governor-baker-vaccinate-massachusetts-library-workers-in-phase-2?recruiter=1051283154&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=e34472e0b2e5490781977be0e350cdaf&recruited_by_id=d95f9200-66be-11ea-b86e-195cf54eb28f
If you're looking to do advocacy/push your state orgs, you can adapt the language in this petition for Massachusetts: https://www.change.org/p/governor-baker-vaccinate-massachusetts-library-workers-in-phase-2?recruiter=1051283154&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=e34472e0b2e5490781977be0e350cdaf&recruited_by_id=d95f9200-66be-11ea-b86e-195cf54eb28f
