When was the last time you visited your local public library? If it’s been awhile, you may be surprised at the vast array of services and resources are offered!
Book (and Movie) Bonanza: How many books can you check out at your local library? You can have up to 30 items on your card! Books, movies, music – you name it! And you may already know that we purchase the recent bestsellers, but did you know that we also purchase movies that were just released on DVD? These items tend to be very popular, so if you don’t see it on the shelf, make sure you put a hold on the item and we’ll keep it for you at the Circulation Desk and notify you when it’s available. Not sure how to place a hold? We’ll show you!
Events for Everyone: Story times for kids, coding club for tweens and teens, book clubs and author visits for adults: this is just a small sampling of the events at the library! We offer fun and educational opportunities for patrons of all ages every month.
Free Internet, Wi-Fi: We have 39 computers for adults, 18 for kids and teens and one specifically dedicated to those seeking to find a job or improve their job skills. We also have free Wi-Fi.
Technology Help: The library offers one-on-one technology instruction where participants receive personalized help from our highly trained staff on Microsoft Word, including how to sign up for an email account, how to access and print tax documents, how to sell items on Craigslist, how to create a Facebook account, and even how to create a profile on dating websites. (One of our regular patrons recently met and married someone through a dating site after we helped set up the account!) In addition to all of these, staffers also give job seekers professional guidance on how to fill out online applications and create résumés, how to search for available jobs, and how to dress appropriately for an interview.
Online Resources: We purchase subscriptions to several online learning sites for the public to enjoy – and they’re all available for free through our website, flagstaffpubliclibrary.org. One resource, Learning Express, offers free GED test preparation, including instructional materials and practice exams. Other practice tests and prep materials include the ASVAB, the GRE, CDL, Dental Assistance Exams, Firefighter exams, Postal Worker exams and more. In addition to these, we offer online business resources, access to online topographic and USGS maps, research tools for kids and adults including WorldBook online, and interactive instruction for learning other languages. Another hugely popular service is our digital book collection, and we recently added streaming independent films through InstantFlix and online comics and graphic novels through ComicsPlus.
Interlibrary Loan: Are you looking for a book that’s out of print or a little older? We participate in a cooperative effort with other libraries across the country in order to provide articles and books to our patrons. They ship the item to us, and in return we provide access to our materials, too. This is free to use and can be done through our website.
These are just a few examples of the services available for you at the library. The library truly is the heart of the community, and we are dedicated to providing a center for information, education, culture and social interaction for all. FBN
By Holland Christie
Holland Christie is the Library Public Services manager.