At the end of 2020, Hudson Area Public Library District found a hopeful and fun fact while reviewing patron statistics. Out of 977 active patron cards, 955 of those cards had been used in the prior six months. While their world was closing in, patrons – almost all of them – were using their cards to explore the universe. That’s smart pandemic behavior. Interlibrary loan is extremely important to this little library. When the Illinois Library Delivery System resumed services, savvy patrons were ecstatic. As Jo Walton said in Among Others, “Interlibrary loan is a wonder of the world and a glory of civilization.” Worlds, both real and imagined, can be discovered in the comfort of home, as long as you have a library card.

Jenny Losey, Library Director, Hudson Area Public Library District