A wise Coplay Borough grandmother once said to her grandchildren, “If you want to be successful in life, there are three things you have to do. They are read, read and read.”

One grandchild said, “Let’s go to a book store and buy books.”

The grandmother smiled and said, “Let’s go to Coplay Public Library, where we can get thousands of books for free.”

The grandkids’ eyes lit up.

Coplay Public Library was, like all libraries, closed in March as the result of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Library director Veronica Laroche lamented the temporary closure.

The library opened for curbside service June 15. Laroche was pleasantly surprised by the number of members using curbside pickup.

The library reopened to the public June 29. Laroche noted in-house “traffic is down but is beginning to pick up.”

Despite the three-plus-month pause, there is an impressive collection of summer activities planned.

Currently underway is a grab-and-go program whereby members - children and adults - can pick up a gift bag containing a number of items and a succulent plant. This program is first come, first served and planned to run possibly for the balance of the year - and the grab-and-go bags are free!

A scavenger hunt is on the docket for late July or August. The hunt will be outside. Details at this point are forthcoming - so, stay tuned.

The library website has a virtual escape room online. It hosts a variety of activities and puzzles and a create-your-own adventure story.

Also online, two local authors are tapped to read one of their books and answer any questions after the reading. The authors are Christian Bensing, author and schoolteacher, and Nadine Poper, an author and school librarian.

Of course, the library is holding its popular summer reading program. This year’s edition is called “Beanstack: Summer Quest 2020.” The goal is to get kids and adults reading more throughout the summer. The recommendation is to read 20 hours minimum over the summer. That is about 20 minutes a day.

For more information about these activities, visit the library in person or at coplaypubliclibrary.org. You can also call the library at 610-262-7351.

To prepare for the reopening, a glass window was installed around the circulation desk. The candy that was for sale has been removed, and a number of chairs were removed to promote social distancing. Only two of the six computers can be used because of social-distancing requirements.

A mask is required to enter the library. Adequate disinfectants are available to sanitize. Member safety is the No. 1 priority.

Because of the library’s tight budget, there are fundraising efforts occurring throughout the year. Over this summer, the library board has paused fundraising work. It is expected fall fundraising events will be discussed at an upcoming meeting.

In the meantime, if you want to support this quality-of-life endeavor, consider a contribution to Coplay Public Library, 49 S. Fifth St., Coplay, 18037.