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Libraries are closed, but many are using WiFi and e-books

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The Buffalo and Erie County Library remains closed, with hundreds of thousands of books behind closed doors. But, you can leap over those closed doors with your computer and download books or story hours for your kids or just contact your friends using the library WiFi system.

Director Mary Jean Jakubowski says 2,200 people a week are using the WiFi spillover, especially in rural areas like Collins and Boston, parking in the lot to ensure social distancing. Jakubowski says books online are increasing in numbers.

"We are working diligently to continue to expand the resources that are available through the e-book program and the e-audio program. Our collection of e-books is now over 90,000 volumes and so we do encourage people to take a look at that and our e-audio, we've just added another well over 300 books," Jakubowski said.

Jakubowski said her librarians may be locked out of the buildings but that doesn't really matter in a world in which books are online, story hours are also and there are even virtual LEGO clubs.

Mike Desmond is one of Western New York’s most experienced reporters, having spent nearly a half-century covering the region for newspapers, television stations and public radio. He has been with WBFO and its predecessor, WNED-AM, since 1988. As a reporter for WBFO, he has covered literally thousands of stories involving education, science, business, the environment and many other issues. Mike has been a long-time theater reviewer for a variety of publications and was formerly a part-time reporter for The New York Times.