Local libraries provide more than just books

Libraries have been a hub of information, education and connection for centuries, and even in a digital age, still provide a sanctuary for communities today.

The Cleveland County Library System not only provides a free place for people to check out books and use the internet, but offers other, more unexpected benefits, as well. There is a seed library for the green thumb, line dancing and yoga classes, teen Manga club, story time for children and crafts for young and old alike.

Todd Dellinger, outreach and community engagement manager for the Cleveland County Library System, said a lot of people don’t realize library cards are free to anyone who lives and works in the county.

“With school starting back, it's a good time to share,” Dellinger said.

He said all Cleveland County students have access to library resources with their school lunch account number which not only allows them to check out books at the Eugenia H. Young main branch on Marion Street and the Lawndale Spangler branch, but opens up a world of online resources.

Dellinger said the Libby app is available for kids on Google Play, the Apple store or on a computer at libbyapp.com. The app allows access to digital resources using their library card number. There are thousands of ebooks and audiobooks available on Libby, and Dellinger said it’s a great resource to encourage kids to read.

“Kids can really engage with that,” Dellinger said.

Library patrons can also access NCLive.org which has all kinds of resources, including NoveList, a virtual library where people can type in subjects or authors to find new favorites.

NCLive also has films, movies and documentaries on demand, language learning services with more than 100 languages available, and career development. People can access resume guides that help them create professional resumes, listen to Q&A on various careers, learn interview tips and find job postings, apprenticeships and internships.

There are test prep options, free newspaper subscriptions, census information, free access to Ancestry.com and homework resources.

“There really is a million things on NCLive,” Dellinger said. “You could spend days, weeks exploring it and still not touch on all of it.”

If people need help accessing some of the digital resources using their library card number, he said library staff are available to help coach them through the steps.

Wright Adams, library director, said the North Carolina room is open during select hours Monday through Thursday and other times by appointment. He said people can find yearbooks, family histories, county histories and more. He said they are working on adding to their archival collections.

Adams said the access to electronic resources is part of the concept of a library without walls.

People are invited to come into the library as well for programs that range from Name that Tune 80s Edition to story time, STEAM and STEM programs, crafternoons, teen programs and even adult programs. Legal Aid will be giving a presentation on things such as child custody, divorce and tenant rights. The library has the Maker Space, which will resume in November and offers a 3D printer, cricut cutter, sewing machine, and supplies that range from knitting needles to jewelry making kits.

“There’s something for everyone,” Dellinger said.

The library also does outreach in the community, delivering books to daycares and bringing books to those who are homebound. They have a “read what you want” book club at Got Books on the third Wednesday of the month.

A full calendar of events is available on the library’s website.

In 2024, the library will be adding a bookmobile to serve the community, especially the north end which has limited internet access. The bookmobile will not only have books and free internet, but also crafting supplies and more.

Delligner said they are looking for partners in the community where the bookmobile can set up, including apartment complexes, churches and other spaces. He said they are building their schedule now, and those interested in partnering with the library can contact them.

Adams said despite the changing times, their circulation has increased over the past few years.

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Local libraries provide more than just books