The next chapter for library insurance

In addition to helping mitigate risk, agents and brokers should help libraries understand their policies. An insurance agent or broker, working with an insurance program specializing in libraries, will have the knowledge base to help their insureds understand what is covered, what isn’t and what should be. (Credit: Zherui WU)

Over the past several years, calls to increase book bans and control what content libraries can share have been on the rise. In fact, four of Publisher’s Weekly’s top five stories about libraries in 2022 focused on book bans and political censorship. But censorship wasn’t the only issue weighing on libraries in 2022. Library leaders, particularly those who operate in underserved communities also continued to feel the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many applied for funds from federal or state grants as a result.

At the same time, many library leaders found new and innovative ways to bring resources to the communities around them. The ALA’s State of America’s Libraries report outlines how some libraries offered “vaccine hunting” services, helped residents navigate online vaccine appointment systems and offered free bus passes to those taking public transportation. Other libraries served as vaccine sites, turning spaces regularly used for meetings and private events into vaccination clinics. They also provided resources for community members to print forms, information and vaccine cards. Additionally, library leadership endeavored to provide resources beyond print content by offering free Wi-Fi, use of library computers and iPads, as well as complimentary classes on topics like internet basics and employment opportunities.