Local businesses and libraries across the state are taking advantage of curbside pickup options two days after Wisconsin's new 'Safer at Home' order went into effect.
The Cudahy Family Library said that it had 400 books checked out when it began curbside service on Friday.
"People have really missed the library. People are exploring our collection a lot more even though they are doing it digitally through the catalog," said Clay Anderson, Circulation Services Supervisor. "They are finding out we have more than just books and movies, they're finding we have board games and puzzles."
Gov. Tony Evers extended the state's Safer At Home order through May 26, but is allowing non essential businesses such as craft stores, gardening and other shops to offer curbside service.
It's a welcome change to Julie Karasek, who runs Patched Works, a fabric store in Elm Grove. She and her husband have been working day and night shipping out orders through a website she just built. Now she's able to hire help to prepare orders for customers to pick up.
"It's incredibly challenging to shop for fabric which is so tactile through this digital medium," said Karasek. "Until three, four weeks ago we were 100 percent brick and mortar, so having this complete pivot to our operation has been incredibly challenging."
"I literally will sit there and message Julie on Facebook like, hey, ok, can I get this, this, this and this," said customer Alison Strandt. "She sends me an invoice and I run over here and pick it up. And we go home and wash it and turn it into masks," she said.
Strandt owns her own small business called OnezieTwozie, a baby clothes retailer. She understands Karasek's challenges. Strandt has since switched to making masks.
"Especially right now, supporting other small businesses is what we know we need to do," she said.
Chrishella Roché has completely transformed her paint and sip business into curbside pickup and delivery. She founded Vibez Creative Arts Space at the Sherman Phoenix.
"We figured what better way than to create a whole package, so people can continue to do their art, get their pre-sketched canvas," Roché said.
She said it's certainly been a change, but she's being creative to adapt in the tough time.
"Aside from that we're just going to keep going with that until it's safe for everybody," Roché said.
